From June 8 to June 15, 2023,

I had the opportunity to exhibit my art

in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

 

The exhibition took place at WIHH Gallery,

featuring three of my paintings.

 

Located in the heart of Amsterdam,

this gallery is an enormous art space.

It’s a vibrant and inspiring venue,

overflowing with highly diverse and

incredibly free-spirited works

from artists across various genres.

 

As is often the case overseas,

some visitors expressed their feelings directly,

exclaiming phrases like “Beautiful!” or “I love it!”

 

Through this experience,

I was able to clearly feel the differences

in artistic sensibilities between Japan and the Netherlands.

 

(This is, of course, based on my personal perspective.)

 

In Japan, there is a strong tendency

to focus on technique.

This applies not only to artworks themselves

but also to art universities (education)

and competitions, where technical skill

is often prioritized.

 

As a result, the works are visually beautiful at first glance.

There are many pieces that are created with high-level techniques,

producing aesthetically pleasing results.

You can’t help but feel the influence

of Japan’s tradition of craftsmanship and manufacturing.

 

However, on the other hand,

many works seem to lack

or have a very thin narrative background.

 

Additionally, due to the size of homes,

smaller-sized works are more common

and preferred in Japan.

 

In contrast, in the Netherlands,

I noticed a strong emphasis on

the story behind the artwork.

It felt as though the narrative is central,

and the painting itself serves as a ticket

to guide you into that story.

That’s how I perceived it.

 

However, in terms of technique or initial visual impact,

many works seemed bold, with a kind of freedom

that could be likened to a child’s doodle—

good or bad, you might find yourself thinking,

“What is this?”

 

Additionally, due to the larger size of homes,

bigger-sized works are more common

and preferred in the Netherlands.

 

*Of course, this is just a general tendency

and doesn’t apply to everything.

In fact, among Japan’s younger contemporary artists,

I feel there is a gradual shift

toward a more Dutch-like artistic sensibility.

 

Artistic sensibilities naturally differ

depending on the country and culture.

While I understood this intellectually,

actually seeing and feeling it firsthand

left a significant impact on me.

 

When it comes to comparing Japanese art and Dutch art,

which is better?

I believe it’s perfectly fine for each individual

to decide for themselves—or not to decide at all.

 

What matters most is your own personal sensibility.

 

Whether it’s about technique, concepts, or storytelling—

those elements can be present or absent,

but the work that honestly feels likeable to you

is the best piece of art for you,

in my opinion.

 

That said, in the context of the contemporary art world,

it’s an undeniable fact that the art style leading

the global scene is more aligned

with the Dutch approach to art.

 

As an artist named Kota,

what I value most in creating my works is:

 

Of course, the visual beauty.

But more importantly, the ability to lead people

into a deep story and world.

The works should possess both external “beauty”

and internal “beauty,” combining the strengths of both.

 

As time stretches across hundreds and thousands of years into the future,

I am convinced that the only works that will endure

are those that possess true beauty and authenticity.

 

Moreover, I believe that my works should

heal and energize those who view them.

I see them as things that gently and consistently provide strength

in a person’s life.

 

Creating such authenticity in this world

is, as the Oneness Artist Kota, my role and purpose.

 

Furthermore, in order to take flight into the top tier of the world,

I am currently preparing to upgrade my approach by one or two steps!

Stay tuned!

 

As an artist named Kota,

what I value most in creating my works is:

 

Of course, the visual beauty.

But more importantly, the ability to lead people

into a deep story and world.

The works should possess both external “beauty”

and internal “beauty,” combining the strengths of both.

 

As time stretches across hundreds and thousands of years into the future,

I am convinced that the only works that will endure

are those that possess true beauty and authenticity.

 

Moreover, I believe that my works should

heal and energize those who view them.

I see them as things that gently and consistently provide strength

in a person’s life.

 

Creating such authenticity in this world

is, as the Oneness Artist Kota, my role and purpose.

 

Furthermore, in order to take flight into the top tier of the world,

I am currently preparing to upgrade my approach by one or two steps!

Stay tuned!