By Margaret Failoni

 

The extraordinary world of the young Japanese artist, Yui Sakamoto, will once again open its portals to the San Miguel de Allende public. The eight paintings created for the February exhibition in the Intersección gallery are a dizzying mixed salad of Bosch-like surrealism—some with popular Mexican iconography, exquisitely painted, and several with a healthy dose of anime and manga tradition. This new work exudes joy. There is a larger dose of childlike play and, perhaps, spending more time with his animated brood of five adorable children had a strong influence on the work.

 

Sakamoto’s meticulous painting technique produced eight paintings in one year, and it has been well worth the wait. He does not make preparatory sketches of what his paintings will be, but, instead, creates the original work directly onto the canvas, adding or subtracting, whatever the case may be, as the work progresses. He admits not knowing what the finished product will be until he lays down the paint brushes. Nonetheless, he will be exhibiting a sketchbook in which he jots down visual thoughts and ideas.

 

Born in Nagasaki, Japan, after traveling throughout Europe, the artist trained in an art school in Monterrey, Mexico, then taught painting in Aguascalientes before settling down in San Miguel, where he lives and works.

 

The exhibition will remain open to the public through the beginning of May.

 

The opening of the show will be from 11am through 8pm to facilitate safe distancing in an already large gallery space.