Mitsumasa Kadota
Pathos
2023

About the Item

Mitsumasa Kadota’s "Pathos" (2023) is a captivating exploration of movement, emotion, and materiality. Executed with acrylic and carborundum on cotton, this piece embodies Kadota’s mastery of dynamic abstraction, where color and texture intertwine to evoke a sense of fluidity and depth. The painting’s title, Pathos, suggests an emotional resonance—perhaps a reflection of inner turbulence or the expressive power of color and gesture. Kadota’s technique in "Pathos" is immediately striking. Bold, sweeping strokes of crimson, deep purples, golden yellows, and stark whites flow across the canvas in a rhythmic composition that suggests both movement and structure. The use of carborundum, a material that enhances the surface’s granular texture, introduces an added dimension, making the work appear almost sculptural. Light plays a crucial role in this piece, as the textured surface interacts with its surroundings, creating shifting perceptions of depth. Unlike traditional static compositions, "Pathos" captures an energy that seems almost suspended in time. The colors do not merely sit on the canvas; they expand, contract, and intertwine, offering new visual discoveries with each viewing. Kadota is a widely recognized contemporary artist, with his works exhibited at Lincoln Center in New York and the Sezon Museum of Modern Art in Japan. His approach to abstraction, which blends a deep understanding of materiality with an intuitive sense of motion, has positioned him as one of the most compelling voices in modern painting. "Pathos" was created in 2023, a recent addition to Kadota’s evolving exploration of form and emotion. Its scale (130.5 × 80.3 cm) makes it a versatile work—suitable for both intimate spaces and larger collections where it can serve as a focal point. Collectors who appreciate works that balance spontaneity with technical precision will find "Pathos" a compelling acquisition. In person, "Pathos" possesses an almost kinetic presence. The paint, applied in thick, undulating layers, creates a sense of movement that shifts depending on the viewer’s angle. The sweeping bands of color—alternating between deep reds, rich purples, golden yellows, and crisp whites—convey a sense of controlled energy, like a visual echo of sound waves or flowing currents. The textural quality, enhanced by carborundum, gives the surface a tactile depth that is difficult to capture in photographs. Light alters the perception of the piece, highlighting different aspects of its composition and making it feel alive within its space. Kadota’s "Pathos" is a compelling work that invites reflection and engagement. With its fluid brushstrokes, vibrant contrasts, and dynamic texture, it stands as a testament to the artist’s ability to convey movement and emotion through abstract forms. An evocative addition to any collection, this piece offers a constantly evolving experience, rewarding the viewer with new interpretations over time.

Creator:

Mitsumasa Kadota (1980, Japanese)

Creation Year:

2023

Dimensions:

Height: 51.38 in (130.5 cm)Width: 31.62 in (80.3 cm)Depth: 1.19 in (3 cm)

Medium:

Canvas,Mixed Media,Acrylic

Movement & Style:

Abstract

Period:

2010-