Kasai Maiko Crossing the Swirling River

signed in English, titled in Japanese and English and dated 2015 on the reverse

Yuka Tsuruno Gallery, Tokyo
Private Asian Collection

This work is generally in good condition. Please note that it was not examined under ultraviolet light.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Maiko Kasai

Oftentimes, contemporary Japanese art is equated with the hugely influential Superflat movement as coined by Murakami Takashi, or perhaps seen through the lens of kawaii, as evidenced by Nara Yoshitomo’s adorable oeuvre, or perhaps yet, the splendid Pop images created by Kusama Yayoi. The present sale presents a group of young, emerging, and talented Japanese artists who together represent a departure from such larger movements. Collectively, they represent the artistic forms of minimalism, the figurative, surrealism, and even abstraction. These young artists’ works breathe new life into the discourse of contemporary Japanese art, offering their audiences entirely new perspectives on such an established art form.

A young emerging artist, Maiko Kasai invites the audience into her enchanted landscapes through dynamic and bold gestures of brushstrokes and colours. Her colourful compositions and flowing lines, together with the arrangement of mystical characters within the paintings garnered the attention of the Japanese art scene since her graduation from Kanazawa College of Art Graduate School in 2009, with a Master of Arts degree in painting. Since then she remained one of the most promising young artists to lead the art scene. She held several significant solo exhibitions in YUKA TSURUNO Gallery in Tokyo throughout 2010 to 2013, including “Neighbor’s Garden” (2013). Most recently her works have been exhibited in group exhibitions in “Pinpoint” by Motoazabu Gallery (Tokyo, 2014) and “Why not live for art? I - 9 collectors Reveal their Treasures” at Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery (Tokyo, 2013). She won the second prize in the competition for Shell Art Award early in her career, and has also been selected at Arts Challenge 2010 organised by the Aichi Art Program in 2010. Numerous private and public collections procure her works including the Pigozzi Collection, Daisuke Miyatsu Collection and Okanoyama Museum of Art Nishiwaki.