Migishi Kōtarō

Place: Sapporo

Born: 1903

Death: 1934

Biography:

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

, a renowned Japanese painter, was born on April 18, 1903, in Sapporo, Japan. While attending middle school in Sapporo, he developed an interest in oil painting, taking lessons from Hayashi Takejirō, who worked for the local school system.

Artistic Career and Influences

Upon completing his primary studies in 1920, Migishi Kōtarō moved to Tokyo, where he was exposed to paintings by Cézanne and Van Gogh at an exhibition sponsored by the Shirakaba-ha, a prominent literary association. This encounter significantly influenced his artistic style.

• In 1921, he showcased his work at the third Central Art Exhibition.
• Two years later, he had his second showing with the Shun’yō-kai (Spring Meeting), a group promoting Western-style art.
• He was awarded First Prize at the following year's exhibition.

Notable Exhibitions and Associations

* In 1928, Migishi Kōtarō, along with his wife Yoshida Setsuko, and friend Chōkai Seiji, organized their own exhibition. * He became a founding member of the Independent Art Association in 1929.

Artistic Style and Influences from French Modernism

After 1932, Migishi Kōtarō's work was increasingly influenced by modern French art. He showcased his works at an avant-garde exhibition in Paris and with the Progressive Art Alliance in Tokyo. Combining Abstract Expressionism with Fauvism, he eventually switched to Surrealism.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1934, Migishi Kōtarō published a long narrative poem called "Butterflies and Shells", accompanied by his own illustrations. Tragically, he died unexpectedly on July 1, 1934, in Nagoya, due to a bleeding stomach ulcer. * His home prefecture dedicated his estate to establishing the Migishi Kōtarō Museum of Art, Hokkaido in Sapporo. * The Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, which has over 4,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs, is another notable institution in the region.

• View Migishi Kōtarō's Artworks on Wikioo.org
• Explore the Menard Art Museum, Japan, on Wikioo.org

Selected Paintings by Migishi Kōtarō on Wikioo.org:

• Migishi Kōtarō: Still Life with Flowers of White Lily (53 x 45 cm, Nagoya City Art Museum, Oil On Canvas)
• Migishi Kōtarō: The Sea and Sunshine (72 x 60 cm, Nagoya City Art Museum, Oil On Canvas)
• Migishi Kōtarō: Composition: Still Life with Fireplace (46 x 53 cm, Nagoya City Art Museum, Oil On Canvas)

legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, offering a unique blend of traditional Japanese elements and modern Western influences.