Kotaro Migishi (1930 - 2009)

Something about Migishi paintings attracts the heart. Even at a glance, they evoke a positive spirit. They make us think about ‘something’. His use of a broad spectrum of colour is compelling, and yet sensible. His art come from the song of the heart based on a lived experience.

Migishi said “My paintings are not of realism, they come from everyday life”. He used his five senses to catch the atmosphere and painted from that memory.

With a studio in Oiso, Japan and another in Veron, France, Kotaro’s paintings and drawings bear evidence to his inherited and self-developed talent and a fascinating life steeped in a deeply personal poetic vision. Inspired by the serene countryside of Burgundy, Migishi travelled between Japan and France for much of his life. The French countryside, villages and inparticular the light of the region made a monumental impact.

Kotaro’s first solo exhibition was at the age of 23 in Japan. For the next 55 years, Kotaro was celebrated at solo and group shows across Japan and France, as well as Switzerland, London, England, Holland and Canada.

Beckett Fine Art is Migishi’s sole representative in North America, hosting Migishi’s debut solo show in 1998 which immediately captured the attention of art enthusiasts. With such exquisite work, Migishi became one of the gallery’s most coveted artists Seven more solo shows and 2 groups shows followed right up to Migishi’s death at age 79 in 2009.

“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 family’s rich legacy in art. I am proud to have worked directly with Kotaro Migishi and his family- a relationship developed from my time studying at Christie’s in London with his son Taro (1960 - 12025) I’m honoured to continue representing his rare estate works in North America”.

Kotaro, a name meaning “yellow”, is the son of famed Japanese artists Migishi Kotaro Sr., (1903 – 1934) and his mother: Migishi Setsuko, (1905 – 1999). Each has a museum dedicated to preserving their work including the “Mima” museum in Sapporo, Japan.

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Paintings are beautifully custom framed. Click on the artwork for more details.

A note from Kotaro’s grandson:

Congratulations on holding the Kotaro Migishi exhibition, and thank you very much for making it possible.

My grandfather was very fond of Canada and visited many times. He always enjoyed visiting Canada, finding great beauty in its people, its food, and its nature. I imagine he may also have connected through a shared love of nature with Tom Beckett, who was a close friend of my father, Taro.

Most of my grandfather’s paintings depict landscapes of France and Italy. While such scenes are less common in Japan, those who have visited Europe often understand and appreciate them. I believe that many people in Canada share a similar sensibility to Kotaro, and I sincerely hope they will enjoy this exhibition.

Lastly, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Tom, who was a great support to bothTaro and Kotaro.

Tatsuo Migishi