Imagine standing before a 10-foot painting of waterfalls that looks so real it seems to flow. That’s the magic of Hiroshi Senju, a 67-year-old Tokyo artist who’s winning over the art world. His Nihonga paintings, made with crushed minerals, glow with a life-like spark. Using an ancient Japanese style, Senju creates art that feels fresh, drawing fans from New York to global exhibitions.
From Tokyo to Global Galleries
Born in 1958, Senju fell in love with art as a kid, inspired by his family’s calligraphy. He earned a Ph.D. at Tokyo University of the Arts but skipped Western trends to master Nihonga. In his studio in Karuizawa, surrounded by Japan’s forests, he paints waterfalls and cliffs that capture nature’s quiet power. Senju works alone, letting his brush tell stories, and that pure focus makes his art stand out, pulling in fans who want something real.
Major Wins
Senju’s career is stacked with achievements. In 1995, he was the first Asian to win an Honorable Mention at the Venice Biennale for his Waterfall series, putting Nihonga on the map. His paintings are in top museums like the Metropolitan Museum. In 2023, his Singapore show sold all 12 works, some for $500,000. He painted murals for Kamakura’s Jōmyō-ji Temple (2018) and Kyoto’s Daitokuji Jukoin Temple (2022). In 2024, he won the Praemium Imperiale, a $130,000 art prize.
How He Works His Magic
Senju’s process is like magic. He grinds minerals—malachite, gold leaf—into powder, mixes them with glue, and paints on mulberry paper or giant wooden panels. His Waterfall paintings use thin layers of white pigment to mimic rushing water. One wrong move ruins months of work. He uses pigments that shift with light, making his art seem alive. Using big brushes and scaffolding, Senju creates paintings that are simple but full of tiny, sparkling details that grab you.
Why Everyone’s Talking
Senju’s art hits with calm beauty. He makes just 10 big paintings a year, so collectors scramble—2024 auctions averaged $350,000 per piece, up 20% from 2022, per Artprice. On X, fans call his work “nature breathing,” especially younger crowds. His mix of old Japanese methods and a bold new vibe makes his paintings a rare find that sticks with you.
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