A journey of the heart begins amidst a wealth of colors
Kanagawa Gallery Walk
File.4 Uchida Masayasu Memorial Art Gallery
( Yamamoto Shino/Gallery Watts)
Last year, when I visited a cafe, I was drawn to the postcards lined up on the counter.
It was a modern landscape painting in vibrant colors. Though the depiction was simple, I could feel the light, smell the earth and grass, and hear the voices of the people, birds, and insects that were not depicted. In an instant, I was enveloped in the atmosphere of the landscape.
I was so captivated by the world of just a postcard-sized picture! I was so moved that I ended up buying several different cards to take home.
Normally I would look up the artist's name at that point, but what was more important to me at the time was to immerse myself in the pleasant feeling rather than knowing who painted it, so I just left the card propped up on the shelf.
Now, nearly a year later, while I was surfing the internet, a picture came into view.
"Huh? This looks similar to the card I have..."
And then I realized for the first time that it was a painting by Masayasu Uchida. Uchida is 96 years old!
I also found out that he has an art gallery in Kamakura, so I knew I had to go!
The nearest station to the gallery is Hase Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway. I usually travel to Kamakura or Shonan by car, so this was actually my first time riding the Enoshima Electric Railway.
While experiencing the laid-back charm of this local train line with over 100 years of history, I felt both excited and a little nervous thinking about the gallery I was going to visit.
Because it also serves as an atelier, you might have a chance to meet the teacher.
Less than a minute's walk from the station, there is a modern white building called "Kamakura Kokoro Gallery." The second building in the corner is the "Uchida Masayasu Memorial Art Gallery."
As soon as you step inside, you are immediately struck by the vibrant colors. Looking at each piece, you can see golden rice ears and striking red spider lilies, which are scenes that perfectly evoke the current autumn atmosphere.
One of the reasons I'm drawn to this work is the bold composition, with more than half of the picture taken up by the sky and rice fields. It's very modern.
I didn't realize it from the postcards, but Uchida-sensei's work is actually collage.
The depth and texture nuances created by the overlapping colors, combined with the painting, stimulate the viewer's five senses, enveloping them in a sensation closer to physical experience.
The gallery was managed by Mr. Uchida's son, Mr. Hikaru, and his wife, who gave us a detailed explanation. Unfortunately, the professor was not there.
Collage is made with soft lines that create expression, so scissors are not used, and Western paper is cut by hand and pasted with glue. There are over 100 types of Western paper in different shades and thicknesses. The reason he is so particular about Western paper is the vividness of the colors. The texture of Japanese paper is appealing, but the teacher is adamant that the pale colors and the fuzzy nuances that arise when it is torn are not the expression he is looking for. And so he established the world of "collage," which is neither a paper cutout nor a paper collage.
Before pasting, the paper is crumpled and wrinkled, allowing it to absorb ink in certain areas, creating shadows and bringing out the texture of the rocks beautifully. In addition, to create nuances that the paper you have on hand does not have, you can use a brush to add texture before pasting.
Uchida Sensei's main occupation was as a graphic designer. When he was in his 30s, he was asked by the city of Yokohama where he lived to teach art to the general public at an adult school (now a cultural school). With no budget, he came up with an idea and cut up newspaper to create shapes. From there, he himself began to pursue the path of expressing the original Japanese landscape through collage. In fact, the "Asage" and "Yuge" instant miso soups that we are all familiar with are some of his signature works. Wow, I had been exposed to the Sensei's art since I was a child!
As I was listening to this story, I was surprised to see that the professor had woken up from his afternoon nap and gone downstairs to start working on his project! He looked modern and energetic.
After saying "Welcome," he continued, "In Japan and overseas, we see autumn leaves, and everyone is moved by their beauty. But when a single leaf falls, it is the delicate sensibility of the Japanese that gives birth to words and sounds.
The Earth is one of the debris of the universe, and humans are just one of the microorganisms there. What do humans feel when they are surrounded by Mother Nature? I have been painting various landscapes for many years, and by depicting these emotions, I continue to convey to children and future generations a sensibility that should never be forgotten."
The teacher continues speaking forcefully.
"For example, when suddenly darkness falls on a huge stage filled with tens of thousands of people, and then one light is finally turned on, everyone bursts into tears. Why is that? What is there? What I am depicting are all emotions that are captured through physical experience."
Then, looking me in the eye, he said, "Let's both do our best," and went into his studio.
It's not something as simple as pretty colors or beautiful scenery; it touches something much deeper within us and awakens important senses.
The sensations I have captured through some kind of physical experience. I usually forget them, but they instantly come back to me. That was the moment I realized why I was so drawn to the teacher's postcards.
The artist's paintings are both delicate and dynamic, and the viewer never tires of them.
The common thread across all 900 pieces of work is the heart. The teacher's collages are overflowing with kindness.
Here, the exhibits are changed about once every two months, respecting the four seasons.
"Even in autumn, there's a difference between early autumn and late autumn. There aren't simply four seasons," says Mitsuru.
Because we are often pressed for time every day, this is a gallery that you will want to visit again and again to reaffirm your own values.
Gallery Information
Uchida Masayasu Memorial Art Gallery
〒248-0016
2-12-17 Hase, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
TEL:0467-23-5105
*Opening hours: March to October 10:00-17:00 / November to February 10:00-16:00
*Closed on Mondays and the third Tuesday of each month (however, if a closing day falls on a national holiday, the gallery will be open and closed the following day)
"access"
▶︎Get off at Hase Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway. 1 minute walk
