Ken Matsubara is a painter I met two years ago through a mutual acquaintance. From our first meeting, we seemed to connect on a rhythm, and our friendship deepened over time. Last year, he contributed a piece from his "Sound Series," themed on the "Sound of Water," to be displayed in the alcove of the six tea ceremonies featuring works by contemporary artists that I hosted. The painting, born from deep emotion, resonated with many of the guests.
His works fully convey the nature within his heart to city dwellers who have little contact with nature in their daily lives. These are paintings that only Ken, who cherishes his dialogue with nature above all else, could create. Moreover, instead of using conventional paints, he collects soils of various colors from the mountains and fields of Nasu and dissolves them in acrylics to make paint. He was once a student of the painter Inoue Sanmichi, but now, like his teacher, he is a painter who lives freely in his own unique world. Let me introduce him to you.

Tokyo National Museum Honorary Member / Kikuchi Hiromi Memorial Satoshi Museum Director Harumi Hayashiya