Miwa Komatsu (1984- ) is a contemporary artist who is known for her paintings of divine spirits such as Komainu (guardian lion-dogs) and dragons. Komatsu began her career with etchings that delicately captured her unique perspective on life and death. After experiencing the forefront of contemporary art in New York, she transitioned to creating dynamic paintings. Since then, she has wholly dedicated herself to questioning and exploring the act of prayer and creation. Her works are housed in the British Museum and other museums in Japan and abroad. In recent years, she has expanded her practice to include three-dimensional works and large-scale public art installations.
“The divine spirits watch over those who pray, are prayed for, and offer prayers. Throughout my travels, and across various countries, I found myself deeply illuminated by this truth: that my spirituality has always, and constantly, been inspired by an act of universal prayer. It exists for us all, regardless of our differences in culture or language. That is what compels me toward creation.”
From this spiritual perspective, Komatsu seeks to manifest and harmonize the forces that dwell within all things, from the cosmos to the metaphysical realm. In an era of ever-shifting values and social fluidity, Komatsu presents a renewed form of prayer that resonates and prompts us to reconsider its urgency.
This exhibition showcases around 70 works, centering on Komatsu’s signature divine spirits, alongside a series of paintings inspired by folklore and legends from various regions, large-scale pieces reflecting her unique cosmic vision, and newly created works inspired by Hokkaido’s natural landscape and local traditions.
Official website of the exhibition
https://stv.jp/event/miwa-komatsu/
Exhibited works
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| On a Snowy Day, the Spirits of the Ezo Wolves Called, and Many Gathered, Acrylic on canvas, Artist's collection |
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The Six Realms of Karmic Rebirth, Etching, Artist's collection |
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The Glow of a Venetian Street Lamp, a Sea Lion Reflected on the Water's Surface, Mixed media, acrylic on canvas, Private collection |
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| White and Red Dragon, Acrylic on canvas, Private collection |
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| Heaven and Earth Komainu, Arita ware, Artist's collection |
Related Events
●Miwa Komatsu | Live Painting
Date: June 14th (Sat), 2025
Details will be announced on the website of Sapporo Art Park.
●Miwa Komatsu’s autographing session
Date: August 23rd (Sat) and 24th (Sun), 2025
Details will be announced on the official exhibition website.
●Gallery Tour by the museum curator
Dates: August 3rd (Sun) at 2:00 PM, August 11th (Mon, national holiday) at 2:00 PM (tours are approx. 40 minutes long)
Venue: Sapporo Art Museum, Exhibition Room
Admission free (valid same-day ticket required)
*Please note that participation may be limited if there is high demand.
Museum shop “Polaire”
We offer a variety of exclusive exhibition merchandise available only at the museum.
The image is for illustrative purposes only. The actual product may vary in design and specifications.
