Issei Otani

Themed on love as it is, a solo exhibition by Issei Otani, who depicts familiarity for humans in the forms of animals, will be held. Four large and approximately 60 small paintings will be on display, conveying the artist’s hopes and proposals for the future.

​

MEGUMI OGITA GALLERY is pleased to announce Issei Otani’s solo exhibition “Dear Future”. Otani was born in Kyoto, Japan in 1977 and studied at Wako University’s Department of Art. He has created works that pursue love as it is, through animal forms to depict familiarity for humans since then. In addition to solo exhibitions at the gallery, he has provided artwork for musicians, collaborated with fashion brands, and his works were commissioned for the opening of THE AOYAMA GRAND HOTEL in Tokyo in 2020, and is now on permanent display. Otani paints with mixed media such as acrylic paint and spray. His vivid and lyrical paintings, which reflect the artist’s inner world, and the intense gaze of creatures evoke Western modern art, particularly expressionism. Meanwhile, the flat compositions, dynamic lines and brushwork reminiscent of ink wash painting reveal the influence of traditional Eastern art. Otani explores the possibilities as a contemporary Japanese artist by blending these elements.

​

With his background in music production, Otani’s paintings possess a driving force that each work develops freely like a song, while the exhibition functions as an album. Otani’s paintings in his diverse values bring fresh emotions to the viewer like hip-hop, which samples different elements to create entirely new songs. This solo exhibition will feature four large and approximately 60 small paintings, conveying the artist’s hopes and proposals for the future. The works on the walls will resonate with us in the transition of an era, reminding of the importance of being true to ourselves without exaggeration or pretense.

Dates

September 26–October 18, 2025
Noon-6pm
Closed on Sunday, Monday and public holiday

​

Opening Reception
September 26, 6-8pm
Artist will be present.

​

MEGUMI OGITA GALLERY
B1, 8-14-9 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
+81-3-3248-3405
info@megumiogita.com