Masayoshi Kato
Born: 1935 in Gifu, Japan. Died: 2014 Gifu.
I met Masayoshi Kato while visiting my art dealer friend and associate, Taro Migishi in Japan. We visited his studio on an incredibly hot humid summer’s day and I soon realized I was in the studio of a great and inspiring contemporary artist and thinker. The soul and energy of the man was also translated directly into his art. The times I spent with Masa were always very vital and alive. He lived in the here and now. He loved life, people and family. Masa was a very sensitive man. He was always aware of his surroundings and saw inspiration for his art in the natural textures around him, wherever he was.
I’m honoured to represent Masayoshi Kato in Canada as we held a series of successful exhibitions in our Toronto gallery beginning in 1999. His work has been very well received in Canada and many of our best collectors were inspired and invested in his work. Masa travelled to his openings in Toronto and we shared many inspiring times at the exhibitions and touring around the cities of Toronto and Hamilton. Masa also wanted to experience the north of Ontario and walk into nature and feel the heat of the sun, the texture of the earth and stone and swim in the lakes. One summer leading up to an Autumn exhibition in Canada, Masa, his wife and assistant came to stay at a rustic northern cabin on a lake near Algonquin Park. He worked hard that summer creating a series of art works inspired by the new raw nature and textures around him.
I visited Masa on another venture to Japan and he in turn showed me an extraordinary time visiting his home, studios, galleries and touring into the woods and mountains to experience the nature of Japan. Masa was a very thoughtful and giving man. We enjoyed eating together and sharing stories and ideas about art and life. Masa had a true lust and love of life. You can see it and feel it in his art. His spirit will live forever. I’m truly honoured to continue to represent the estate works of Masayoshi Kato in North America and share his art with our collectors in Canada and the United States.
Click on the artwork below for more details.
