As a novice in the field of fine art, I decided to open a modest gallery, circa August 1984. During my tenure of 30 years as an art dealer and gallerist, I would never have anticipated gaining knowledge and guidance from such a wide variety of experienced individuals. A further privilege afforded to me, has been the honor of being introduced to works that have touched upon my soul, although rarely have they been identified as MASTERPIECES.

In my opinion, a masterpiece is not bound by work that is solely created by artists in their prime, but ultimately defined by a personal filtering process, through which the public will dissect and judge accordingly. If this is the case, you may well ask, ‘what is a masterpiece?‘, for me this is obvious, it is art that directly moves my inner core, with the inherent potential for gaining further international value and prominence.

In 1986, I considered Andy Warhol’s earlier print making, such as ‘SUICIDE, THE KISS (BELA-LUGOSI), and CAGNEY’ as being truly exceptional, hence, I acquired SUICIDE, and CAGNEY; both of which I considered his best work on paper, despite the stretch in my anticipated budget. Warhol’s message of mortality stirred a significant feeling from within; contrary to his colorful and more positive pop images so widely recognized today. I feel the juxtaposition of these deeper, darker images that would suggest a glimpse of the artist’s insecurities, complexities and childhood suffering, were the reason for record-high auction valuation.

When asked, what is the most important aspect of my work?; I would have to say that I give my heart and soul to discovering work that has the greatest potential for future investment evaluations and for the individual artists. I rarely take on an entire artist’s collection, merely the select few that stir emotion from within my heart. Whilst such intuitive sensations are essentially foremost when discovering such work(s), I gain increased pleasure as a gallerist, from sharing my feelings and experiences with valued collectors.

Forever grateful to those who have taught and advised me throughout my journey, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Both the artwork and artists exhibited in MASTERPIECE are noted as being of high acclaim. Nevertheless, I am filled with excitement for their anticipated rise in prominence within the art market.

“Masterpieces are waiting to be discovered” - this is my motto and personal belief that I hold true, in the hope that it will endure.
- Shoichiro Stake (Director, Galerie Sho Contemporary Art)