​Watanabe, Aya

Tohoku University of Art and Design, Faculty of Art, Department of Fine Arts, Japanese Painting Course

1986年	Born in Miyagi Prefecture
2011年	“Is Tohoku Painting Possible? -Ark Plan-” Imra Art Gallery Tokyo, Tokyo
2012年	“Tohoku University of Art and Design Graduation and Completion Exhibition” Tohoku University of Art and Design, Yamagata, Gaien Campus, Tokyo Graduated from Tohoku University of Art and Design, Faculty of Art, Japanese Painting Course

Mebaei Izuru/Kaeri Izu 2012
Two-dimensional work (pair of two widths): 3200 x 970mm cotton cloth, mineral pigments, acrylic paints
Three-dimensional works: 120 x 140 x 125 mm each - 410 x 440 x 225 mm Expanded polystyrene, paper clay, wool felt

Author's comment

For people who have lived together with mountains, they are a stronghold of the soul.
If we unravel the relationship between people and mountains, we can see a larger existence that encompasses everything.

Judge's review

Mr. Watanabe's mountain paintings convey a sense of faith, or rather a feeling of being watched over by the mountains, which is clearly expressed in the details as well as the majesty and dynamic nature of the paintings. It's strange how the character ``Yamagon'' who came from there also exists without any sense of incongruity with the picture. The biggest appeal is that it has a sense of familiarity and security. (Tomio Koyama)