Materials: Japanese paper, linen, gold leaf
Exhibition location: ESPACIO Nagoya Castle – Presidential Suite (11th floor)
Thunder Dragon
The artist described being deeply moved by Tawaraya Sōtatsu's Clouds and Dragons Folding Screen and, inspired by its powerful expression, set out to create his own vision of the dragon. The dramatic scorched surfaces, created by burning layers of ganpi paper, together with the luminous gold leaf revealed beneath, evoke flashes of lightning and give the work an extraordinary sense of power and movement.
Takehiko Sugawara
Born in Tokyo in 1962, Sugawara carried forward the traditions of Japanese painting while developing a highly original visual language of his own. Among numerous honors, he received the Grand Prize at the 2nd Higashiyama Kaii Memorial Kei Nihonga Award Exhibition in 2004. Following the success of his 2012 solo exhibition in Paris, he established an international reputation. His works are installed in leading hotels and public institutions around the world and have been widely acclaimed both in Japan and internationally. Sugawara passed away on July 8, 2025. This work stands as his final creation.
