A must-see exhibition for reptile lovers is currently being held at Sapporo's "TO OV cafe / gallery," featuring 24 reptile paintings that meticulously depict the texture and patterns of their scales. This is the first solo exhibition by Shuya Misawa, a young artist who won the Newcomer Award at the 98th Do-ten Exhibition. Don't miss out on these works filled with love for reptiles!

A life-size Iguana rhinolopha, drawn to the exact size of a captive specimen of the same species, with careful attention paid to size proportions.

Green iguanas, Lesser Antillean iguanas, blue-tongued skinks... 24 reptile paintings greet you as you open the doors of "TO OV cafe / gallery." Shuya Misawa, whose copperplate print "Billion-Year Struggle" won him the Newcomer's Award at the 98th Do-ten Exhibition held last October, is still fresh in our memory. This first solo exhibition is a must-see, filled with the charm of reptiles that has long fascinated him.

"The very existence of reptiles, such as the incomprehensible expressions, the texture and patterns of their scales, stimulates the imagination," says Misawa. He keeps over 10 reptiles at home, and some of the works on display depict a green iguana he keeps as a pet.

"Leia" watercolor paper, millimeter pen, A4, not for sale

"Lance" watercolor paper, millimeter pen, A4, not for sale

"I want to capture the characteristics of each animal as much as possible," says Misawa. As he raises them, he sometimes touches them and observes them, and the detailed paintings he creates are captivating, with the fine arrangement of scales and the texture of the smooth parts.

A part of "Iguana rhinolopha"

A series of copperplate prints created using techniques such as etching and aquatint

Misawa studied copperplate engraving at a vocational school, and says, "I was attracted to the fact that it allows for a deeper touch than pen drawings, and that its detailed expression can create a unique atmosphere." My personal favorite is "Vigilance" (far left in the photo above), which was created using aquatint and etching! The shades of black unique to aquatint match the atmosphere of Misawa's green iguana, making it incredibly cool. This is a piece that you should definitely see in person at the venue.

"IGUANA REFERENCE BOOK" explains the ecology and species of iguanas

Misawa has been fascinated with dinosaurs and reptiles since he was a child. Since he started keeping a lizard in the fourth grade of elementary school, he has observed them every day, and for reptiles that he doesn't own, he visits sales events to observe them. He has also spent the last 12 years poring over magazines and illustrated guides. His interest in reptiles has culminated in his self-published "IGUANA REFERENCE BOOK."

The exhibit explains the characteristics and types of green iguanas, including that "there are differences, but some individuals can remember where the toilet is and their own names, and can communicate in simple ways." It is recommended to read this before viewing each piece.

In addition to the works shown, small works and postcards are also available for sale at the counter.

"I would be happy if people who see the exhibition become even slightly interested in reptiles, or even start to like them," says Misawa. He will be in the gallery on weekends, so please feel free to tell him what you think of the works.

The green iguana provided to us by the owner and the owner himself. So cute!!!

By the way, Gallery So, a 5-minute walk from TO OV cafe/gallery, will be hosting a solo exhibition titled "rubyculus" by Akemi Nishimura, Misawa's copperplate print teacher, from Saturday, July 5th (until July 20th). Don't miss this too!