Kotaro Migishi
Born Toyko, Japan. 1930. In December 2009 Kotaro passed away at his home in Oiso, Japan. (His father: Migishi Kotaro Sr., b1903 – 1934 - Artist/Painter, His mother: Migishi Setsuko, b1905 – 1999- Artist/Painter.) Thomas Beckett and Kotaro’s son, Taro met while studying art history at Christie’s in London, England in 1987/88. This is how I was introduced to the magnificent art of Kotaro and we celebrated our first North American solo exhibition in 1998 at our Toronto, Scollard St. gallery. I’ve travelled to Japan on six occasions to meet with Kotaro and his family where we solidified a strong bond and great respect and appreciation for the Migishi family and the families rich legacy in art.
With a studio in Oiso, Japan and another in Veron, France, Kotaro’s paintings and drawings bear evidence to a fascinating life and a deeply personal poetic vision. Inspired by the serene countryside of Burgundy, and exhibiting internationally since 1955, Migishi travelled between Japan and France for much of his life.
HISTORY: Kotaro Migishi was first named ‘Paris’ because his father’s dream was to go to Paris, France to live and paint. After the sudden death of his father at the young age of 31 years, Paris was renamed ‘Kotaro’ after his father.
Kotaro Migishi has painted all his life. He began as a young child painting along side his mother in her studio. He became serious about his painting in 1947. (age 17 yrs.) He chose to develop his own technique and style of painting rather than receiving formal art training at University.
In 1951 his mother discouraged him from painting, knowing herself the difficult road that lay ahead for her son as an artist. She sent him to ‘The Toho Film Company’ to learn the film business. He resigned from the film company a year later in 1952, realizing he could not abandon his passion for painting and dream to be an artist.
1953: His dream was confirmed following his first solo exhibition at Kabutoya Gallery, Ginza, Tokyo, Japan. In August of the same year, wanting to realize his father’s desire to go to Paris, Kotaro set off on a three-month voyage by sea. He passed through many ports, cities and villages on route, finally settling in Auvers sur Oise, France. The same town where Vincent van Gogh had lived. It was a turning point in Kotaro’s life as artist. The French countryside, villages and in particular the light of the region made a monumental impact. Everything he saw was new.
1954: He moved to Paris, France and prepared for the arrival of his mother. This date marked her first visit to Europe.
I am proud to have worked directly with Kotaro Migishi and his family and am honoured to continue representing his rare estate works in North America. Please read further below for Kotaro’s full biography.
Click on the artwork below for more details.
