I have loved drawing and sculpting living creatures since I was a child. I am particularly drawn to imaginary creatures. Imaginary creatures are manifestations of human prayers in the form of animals, embodying abilities such as strength and wisdom, as well as ideals such as peace and good harvests. Their forms have been expressed in various ways throughout history and across cultures. I am exploring what form they might take if they appeared in front of me in 2025. - Yoshimasa Tsuchiya

Yoshimasa Tsuchiya will hold his first solo exhibition in Hong Kong “Cryptids Dream Twice” at Harbourcity Gallery. Tsuchiya was born in 1977, studied sculpture at Tokyo University of the Arts, and completed PhD, Sculpture Conservation at the graduate school in 2007. Drawing on his experience with ancient sculptures during his graduate studies, Tsuchiya has challenged himself to combine traditional techniques with innovative expressions. He has held solo exhibitions in Taiwan, the Netherlands, and Germany, and he is currently holding a solo exhibition “Yoshimasa Tsuchiya - Beyond the Tranquility” at Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art and Design in 2025, further growing his popularity and acclaim both in Japan and abroad. Tsuchiya has established a unique painting method whereby the inner pale colors faintly appear from the surface of wood carving. He also uses a technique similar to that for Buddhist statues, inserting crystal or glass eyes from inside the head, creating works with a mystical look.