Messenger 8F (45.5 x 37.9cm) Written by Naoko Urinami

The paintings depict people with a surreal atmosphere and unique style. The person is not looking at me, but is staring at a single point, but his presence is very strong.

A tree is depicted in the background, and a mysterious figure is holding one of its branches. Flowers are blooming at the tips of the branches.

Overall, this piece has an atmosphere of tranquility and introspection, yet there is also a sense of tension created by the wild nature in the background.

The artist uses techniques to wonderfully express unique landscapes and characters that are different from this world in his works.

Born in Anamizu-cho, Ishikawa Prefecture in 1955

1980 Graduated from the Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts (majoring in metal hammering)

1982 Lives in Kamakura

From his 30s onwards, he settled in Kamakura City and, under the influence of Toshio Arimoto, began producing paintings based on Japanese paintings.

He interacted with local Kamakura cultural figures such as Akutagawa Prize-winning author Shu Fujisawa, poet Akari Kido, and literary critic Koichiro Tomioka, and was bequeathed art supplies by Japanese painter Junsaku Koizumi, who passed away in January 2012.

Passed away suddenly due to illness on June 4 , 2012 at the age of 56.

His works as illustrations include ``The Story the Cat Saw'' (Fukuinkan Shoten), ``Bokko'' (Kaiseisha), and ``Ghostland of Ayashigaoka'' (Bunken Publishing).