Mikio Taka, a Sapporo-based artist with a large following for his unique varnish collages and abstract paintings, is holding his first solo exhibition in eight years at TO OV cafe / gallery. A must-see are his new works, which use 60 shades of acrylic paint to depict the various colors of light and the way it rhythmically resonates through space.

A wall displaying previously unreleased and new works

Sapporo resident Mikio Taka has been exhibiting his work both in Japan and internationally since he began his career in the early 2000s, earning high acclaim. This exhibition, his first solo show in Sapporo in eight years, is titled "Sonata of Light." It features nine new pieces and one previously unreleased work, all expressing the diverse colors of light we see in our daily lives, using 60 shades of acrylic paint like musical notes.

A "sonata" refers to the structure of an instrumental piece composed of multiple movements. The title "Sonata of Light" is said to embody the artist's intention not just to paint light, but to visualize how light changes with time, resonating through space with a rhythm of its own.

《Sonata of Light #02》

A major appeal of Taka's work is the glossy presence created by the varnish applied to the surface. For his new pieces, he has switched from his usual oil-based varnish to a transparent, water-based one that brings out the colors of the paint more clearly, resulting in a bright, colorful finish. "I enjoy mixing the paints on the palette, and painting on the canvas is an extension of that fun," says Taka.

His joy in the process is palpable. "I had fun combining the colors, thinking 'this one looks good too,' just playing around," he explains. This playful spirit is evident in the paint that retains the shape it had coming out of the tube and in the lively marks left by his painting knife.

《Sonata of Light #10》

"I've been surrounded by flowers since I was little and I love them, so when I see them at a flower shop, I feel the urge to use them," Taka says. Seeing flowers as another element that evokes the image of light, he is also exhibiting three collage works that incorporate photos of flowers. "I think about how I can best present the flower photos. How I can create an atmospheric painting, like something you'd see on a movie set."

《Sonata of Light #07》

In 《Sonata of Light #07》, some parts are left unvarnished, and the plump texture of the built-up paint is quite charming, with each shape looking almost like a little monster. Taka mentions that one viewer commented that his works combining white looked "like sushi," which made me realize how his charming forms can spark all sorts of images in the viewer's mind.

This exhibition is a perfect fit for this time of year, as the city of Sapporo bursts with color. Be sure to stop by and enjoy a playful encounter with the art in your own way!