KENJI YOSHIDA 1924/2009

SUPERBE HUILE SUR TOILE CIRCA 80. 60X73CM "LA VIE

L'artiste a beneficié de son vivant d'une exposition en 1993 au British muséum de Londres.

Born in Ikeda City (Osaka) on May 24

1943

Graduates as a teacher.Studies Art with Furukido Masaru Sensei, who told Yoshida: ‘Don’t go to war, Live’. Furukido himself died in World War II.

1943

Commenced art studies with Hayashi Kiyoshi Sensei that continued until Hayashi’s death in 1988.

1943

Joins the Japanese Marine Air Force and trains as a kami-kaze pilot.

1945

At the end of the war returns to teaching in Osaka and continues his art educatio

1951

Moves to Tokyo and works as an art teacher.

1964

Moves to Paris and joins Stanley William Hayter’s ‘Atelier 17’. This relationship lasts until Hayter’s death in 1987.

1966

Participates in the founding of « Atelier du Nord ».

1968

Goes to Israel and lives at the Shamir Kibbutz for two months. Travels in Israel, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

1972

Meets Spanish sculptor Apelles Fenosa and begins a life long relationship lasting until Fenosa’s death in 1987. From this year on travels frequently in Europe and the Middle East.

1983

Returns to Japan for three month visit in search of the traditional, ancient Japanese spirit.

1987

Visits Egypt, including Cairo, Alexandria, and in particular Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.

1989

First exhibition in the UK at the October Gallery.

1989

First visit to the USA, visits Biosphere 2, location of one multi-panelled works.

1990

Travels in Mexico and Cuba where he conceives his « Maya Series ».

1991

Second exhibition at October Gallery

1993

First living artist to be given a solo exhibition at the New Japanese Galleries of the British Museum.

1996

« Maya Series », Museum of Modern Art, Mexico City, touring to five cities in Mexico.

2000 – 2003

Large standing octagonal installation, Sei-mei, in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin; Norwich Cathedral and Canterbury Cathedral as part of the Festival of Canterbury.

2004

Life Force: New Works. The October Gallery, London.

Ref: 05BZ8WHP76