For lovers of reptiles, an unmissable exhibition is now open at Sapporo's TO OV cafe / gallery, featuring a total of 24 reptile paintings with intricately detailed scales and patterns. This is the first solo exhibition for Shunya Misawa, a remarkable young artist who won the New Artist Award at the 98th Doten (Hokkaido Art Association Exhibition). Don't miss these works filled with a deep love for reptiles!

The life-sized 《Iguana rhinolopha》, drawn with a focus on size ratio by measuring a pet of the same species.

Green Iguanas, Lesser Antillean Iguanas, Blue-tongued Skinks... A total of 24 reptile paintings greet you as you open the door to TO OV cafe / gallery. This is the first solo exhibition by Shunya Misawa, whose copperplate print 《Okunen Sōtō (A Hundred Million Years of Strife)》 winning the New Artist Award at the 98th Doten last October is still fresh in our minds. It's a highly anticipated exhibition packed with the charm of the reptiles that have long fascinated him.

"Their unreadable expressions, the texture and patterns of their scales—the very existence of reptiles sparks my imagination," says Misawa. He keeps over a dozen reptiles at home, and some of the works on display are of his own pet Green Iguana.

《Leia》 Watercolor paper, fineliner pen, A4, Not for sale

《Lance》 Watercolor paper, fineliner pen, A4, Not for sale

"I want to capture the unique characteristics of each individual as much as possible," Misawa explains. As a keeper, he sometimes touches and observes them up close. The resulting detailed drawings, from the fine arrangement of scales to the texture of surprisingly smooth areas, draw you in the more you look.

A close-up of 《Iguana rhinolopha》

A series of copperplate prints created using techniques like etching and aquatint.

Misawa, who studied copperplate printing at a technical college, says, "It allows for a deeper touch than pen drawing, and I was drawn to how its fine expression can create a unique atmosphere." His personal recommendation is 《Keikai (Vigilance)》 (far left in the photo above), created using aquatint and etching! The rich black tones unique to aquatint perfectly match the mood of the Green Iguana Misawa depicts, making it incredibly cool. This is one piece you must see in person at the gallery.

The "IGUANA REFERENCE BOOK" explains the ecology and types of iguanas.

Misawa has been fascinated by dinosaurs and reptiles since childhood. After getting his first lizard in the fourth grade, he observed them daily. For reptiles he didn't own, he would visit reptile shows to observe them. He also spent 12 years endlessly poring over magazines and encyclopedias. His interest in reptiles culminated in his self-published "IGUANA REFERENCE BOOK."

The book explains the characteristics and types of Green Iguanas, noting things like, "While it varies, some individuals can learn their toilet spot and their own name, allowing for simple communication." Reading this before viewing the artworks is highly recommended.

In addition to the displayed works, small pieces and postcards are for sale at the counter.

"I hope that by seeing the exhibition, people will become even a little interested in or fond of reptiles," Misawa says. He plans to be at the gallery on weekends, so be sure to share your thoughts on his work with him.

The artist with his Green Iguana, a specially provided photo. So cute!!!

By the way, just a 5-minute walk from TO OV cafe / gallery is GALLERY SO, where an exhibition by Misawa's copperplate printing teacher, Akemi Nishimura, titled "rubyculus" will be held from Saturday, July 5th (until July 20th). Be sure to check that out as well!