Gallery MoMo Ryogoku is pleased to present a solo exhibition of Yousuke Kobashi, titled “Kobashi’s Zu II.” The title comes from Japanese Zu (図) that means figure, chart, graphic and illustration. Kobashi would not like to give any biases or specific images before seeing the show through the title. Employing the Japanese word Zu, Kobashi suggests that he develop his Zu without feeling shackled by any themes.

The painting of self-portraits is central in his practice. Kobashi draws on Gauguin's “violet touch” and colors, as wells as certain decorative qualities of Matisse's style. This unrestricted sampling of techniques can be considered one of the methods to maintain freedom throughout the paintings. Those methods create Kobashi's very own unrealistic dream world.

Recently, the artist has kept distance from the self-portrait and explored his new motifs such as animals, nature and ships. In addition, Kobashi attempted to use new materials such as pastel and changed the representation method and materials as needed. Leaving his soft use of color, the paintings maintain his eccentric way of being him.

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© Yosuke KOBASHI