The History Of Kikuo Saito

December 27, 2019

Ikuo Saito, better known as simply “Kikuyu” Saitou, known as the creator of mysterious, wordless dance works and as an artist with an uncanny sense of colors, passed away last February 15, at his home in the town ofkok, in Japan. He was born inkok in 1939. He worked as a swimmer and runner before discovering his true passion for painting. Known as a master of the stark colors found in nature, Saitou painted buildings, parks, and other places with such deep meaning that they are difficult to define. He has used basic objects like cans and bottles to create powerful imagery.

In the early 1960's, at the age of twenty-one, he began to paint, and in six months of study established a small studio in the town ofkok. This early work was the foundation of his masterpiece called, “Kikuyu Saitou: The Forest of Colors”. It was later joined by “The Night Lamp” and “Irene”, which displayed his boldness in painting and his sensitivity to the subtleties in life.

Known as a master of the stark colors, Saitou's artwork came from a deep understanding of nature. One of his inspirations was the natural beauty of the countryside seen from a hill overlooking a small town called “Tomoya” situated in the countryside of Japan. He created this beautiful scenery from the shadows and movement of trees and flowers that took his breath away. It was this inspiration that would shape the landscape of “Tomoya”, the studio assistant painting the studio interior for the late artist.

From the land of Japanese myth, legend and dream, the artist visited Tokyo and established a house near the Shibuya Zojo temple. For three months, he painted all over the exterior of the house. The painter spent all of his time inside the studio, doing all of the painting and sketching by means of charcoal, watercolors and charcoal. Finally, on february fifteen, while the weather was still fairly warm, Saitou decided to paint on canvas of the entire building, including the ceiling of the room. His daring had not been showcased before, however, it was when he completed his feat that the famous artist began to be known the world over.

For many of his western fans, one of the most striking paintings is ” Yorozu Katsu” (Yor ozu city), located in the Japanese district of Ogasawara. A thirteen year old girl stands on a white wooden platter with her hands holding a red dish of rice and a picture of a boy kneeling over her, symbolizing the divine. Two other girls sit at the counter opposite her, each holding a different color of rice in a silver pitcher. The scene consists of two very different cultures, each with their own customs.

“The Garden of Eden in the Sky” by Kikuo Saitou is another amazing work by the renowned artist. This version of heaven is depicted as a vast field with a variety of colors flying about in the sky. In the center of the field is a light blue sky, the point where the two lovers are sitting. The image appears to be so real that the viewer cannot help but be pulled into the scene. One can almost feel the gentle breeze blowing across the earth and the sweet melodies of birds. The image is so meaningful that it even pulls the reader into the emotions of the couple.

One of the more recent works by Kikuo Saitou takes us back in time to his earliest visits to Japan. In this mesmerizing portrayal of ancient Japan, two samurai warriors sit in the shadows while talking in the traditional Japanese language. The conversation is captivating and beautiful, the scenery so real that one feels like they have actually been there. This portrait of old Japan also features a young studio assistant with whom the two Japanese gentlemen have a wonderful, if accidental, encounter.

Artists such as Kikuo Saitou often visit famous museums, exhibitions and galleries around the world, hoping to find innovative new ways of presenting his magnificent artwork. One of the destinations he often visits is New York City, where he enjoys rubbing shoulders with some of the most well-known artists in the world. If you're an art lover looking for a great place to exhibit your art, you should definitely pay a visit to the studios of the talented artist-in-residence, Kikuo Saitou. You'll be glad you did!