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Michihiro Matsuoka: Childhood Dreams @ Artishox Gallery

DAF favourite Michihiro Matsuoka is having his first European exhibition entitled “Childhood Dreams” at Artishox Gallery in Hasselt, Belgium.

“Born in 1969, living and working in Ichinomiya-shi, Aichi, Japan. Matsuoka finds inspiration from his childhood memories and deteriorated toys and devices out of that period. He urges the viewer a kind of nostalgic feeling with the ´worn-out´ sculptures that are a blend of various animals, fish, boats, vehicles and machinery. Matsouka primarily uses industrial resin clay and other materials for his work. The sculptures are meticulously finished with acrylic paint, which aids his desire to express the progression of time.”

“Childhood Deams” runs through November 27, 2011. For more information, visit MichihiroMatsuoka.com or Artishox.com. You can also see photos from the exhibition on Artishox’s Facebook Page.

Note: The images below are examples of Matsuoka’s recent work. Contact Artishox Gallery for available pieces.

Yoskay Yamamoto: Picking Up Where We Left Off

Japanese born artist Yoskay Yamamoto, opened a new solo exhibition at LeBasse Projects in Culver City, California. Picking Up Where We Left Off references the time Yamamoto was able to spend with his family earlier this year after more than an eight year span since seeing his brother. Yamamoto was relieved that they were all able to reconnect as if no time had passed. This reconnection with family has inspired Yamamoto’s new paintings and sculptural works.

Born and raised in Toba, Japan, Yamamoto moved to the United States at the age of 15. A self-taught illustrator, Yamamoto’s fuses the blends pop iconic characters from his adopted western home with traditional and mythical Japanese elements, balancing his Asian heritage with urban pop art.

Picking Up Where We Left Off runs through October 1, 2011. To see more, visit LeBasse Projects or Yoskay.com.