Shingo Francis, an artist who has pursued the possibilities of abstract paintings throughout his career, has a distinct style which incorporates deep blue monochrome coloring and vivid expressions of light.

His most well-known work, a series of paintings in deep blue monochrome, entails a rich spirituality. The pitch-black quality of Francis’ signature monochrome series, which has an entrancing effect upon the viewer, is created by applying multiple layers of paint which are in fact blue in color. The artist’s repetitive application of paint is observable upon close inspection. In Bound for Eternity, a painting resembling a strip of light, the monochrome coloring emits a liberating tone, bringing a sense of calamity to the viewers’ heart.

Minimalistic expression, the signature style of Francis’ paintings, follows the movements of Abstract Expressionism by artists such as Ad Reinhardt and Barnett Newman, yet also pertains an elegance and tranquility rooted in Eastern philosophy. His sensibilities with color reflect heavily from his experience of growing up in the vastness and bright spaces of California.

At this exhibition we will be presenting works form Francis’ Bound for Eternity series and blue monochrome series, including new works. We hope you enjoy Shingo Francis’ “Vast and Vivid”, the first solo exhibition to be presented at MISA SHIN GALLERY.

Shingo FRANCIS

Born 1969 in Santa Monica, California. Currently lives and works in New York and Yokohama, Japan. He received his Bachelor’s degree of Fine Arts from Pitzer College, Claremont, California in 1992. He explores the potential of abstract painting through his blue monochrome paintings and works focusing on line and light. He established a curatorial organization, Hatch in 1996, has organized exhibitions in Los Angeles and Yokohama. His major exhibitions include “Ties over Time” (Residence of the US ambassador to Japan, Tokyo), “The Unseen Relationship: Form and Abstraction” (DIC Kawamura Memorial Museum of Art, Chiba, Japan), “Kaleidoscope” (Lobby Gallery, Durst Organization, New York). His works are in collections including JP Morgan Chase Bank, Banco de Espana, Frederick R. Weiseman Art Foundation.