Hiromitsu Kato

Crimson Waterfall

2014

Hiromitsu Kato (1957-2019) was a renowned painter from Japan. He was recognized both nationally and internationally for his extraordinary artworks, and admired as an innovative artist. He employed traditional Japanese painting techniques using Japanese ink, gold, and iwa-enogu mineral pigments, made of particles of pulverized rocks. Although traditionally executed, his work has a modern aesthetic. Hiromitsu was a maverick in the world of Japanese painters, as he refused to follow the unspoken conventions traditionally practiced in Japanese painting. Because of his love for the revered form of Japanese painting, Hiromitsu chose to become an exceptional artist to be recognized by those who were not familiar with traditional Japanese art. The vitality of the nature he portrayed intrigued many art lovers. Hiromitsu believed that painting was the only way to speak with God and always expressed gratitude to God for creating nature and all living things. The exhibited artwork is called The Autumn Light. In Japanese culture, autumn leaves are a metaphor for rebirth and recovery. The idea of the painting is based upon his prayer for recovery from the tsunami and earthquake tragedies that occurred in Japan on March 11, 2011. Through his work, Hiromitsu hopes to bring happiness and prosperity to the citizens of the world.