Series and works

Sakura Series

Layers of cherry blossom emerge against an ink ground. Abstract space meets petals rendered with depth and translucency, giving form to Sou Akou’s vision of sakura.

In the artist's words

The Universe Seen in Floating Sakura

Sakura, much loved by the Japanese people, has been a popular motif for many painters. I employ a technique that abstracts the background while rendering the three-dimensional form and transparency of the flowers in a more concrete manner, making the blossoms stand out. Sakura represents the joy of beauty floating in the cosmos.

All works in this series (artist's website) (18) →

Fuji Series

Fuji appears through clouds and changing light, rendered in ink, colour and gold. Its ridgelines and surrounding space convey the artist’s sustained attention to the natural world.

In the artist's words

Sunlight and Clouds Temper Fuji’s Majesty

Mount Fuji has long been an object of worship and a source of artistic inspiration. Enchanted by its sublime beauty, I have been painting various iterations of Mount Fuji, such as Red Fuji, Ink Fuji, Gold Fuji, and Abstract Fuji, since several decades ago.

All works in this series (artist's website) (4) →

Impression Nippon Series

Landscapes and cultural encounters gathered on travels through Japan are brought together through techniques drawn from oil painting, Japanese painting, printmaking and ink painting. Impressions of travel become new pictorial landscapes.

In the artist's words

Changing Impressions of Japan

As a painter for 36 years, I have traveled all over Japan, resulting in my overall impressions of Nippon. It can be said that this is a new type of work that combines oil painting, Japanese painting, printmaking, and ink painting tech- niques. As a painter who loves and seeks to deeply understand the culture and nature of Japan, I believe this series represents a new frontier in my artistic journey.

All works in this series (artist's website) (10) →

Flower Arrangement Series

The forms of flowers, the movement of stems and the space around them convey the rhythms of ikebana—rhythms the artist relates to the notes of a piano.

In the artist's words

Ikebana has various schools, and at times, one can feel a rhythm akin to the scales of a piano. I attempted to capture that sense of rhythm in a painting.

All works in this series (artist's website) (6) →

Landscape

Ink-drawn ridgelines are layered with Japanese and Chinese pigments. Atmospheric clarity and the weight of the mountains give depth to spaces extending from foreground to distance.

In the artist's words

It is important to use both Japanese and Chinese pigments. The Japanese red pigment brings out the delicate ridgelines of the mountains drawn in ink and the transparency of the surrounding atmosphere, while the Chinese pigments add a sense of weight. The fusion of both creates an expression of elegant and dynamic mountains that extend from the foreground to the background.

All works in this series (artist's website) (33) →

Abstract Series

Tonal ink, moving lines and areas of white shape the abstract works. Through the character and composition of ink, the artist explores relationships between form and space.

In the artist's words

During my time in art graduate school, I studied and created several abstract artworks. Unlike the colorful arts of Europe and the United States, I seek to express and pursue my art within the world of white ink. In China, ink is said to have five colors, and Kayama Matazo once said, “Ink is not merely black but possesses unlimited colors, making it truly mysterious.” Although my abstract works are still in an exploratory stage, I am determined to continue developing my unique expression.

All works in this series (artist's website) (2) →

Nature Series

Peonies, birds and woodland life reveal the richness of nature through ink, colour and varied techniques. Layered petals and the forms of birds reflect close observation and an interest in pictorial form.

In the artist's words

The Kacho-Chugu series captures nature’s beauty using traditional and unique techniques. It features serene forests, elegant peonies, and symbolic owls, reflecting years of artistic refinement and practice.

All works in this series (artist's website) (14) →