Tom of Finland Erotic Art Foundation

[http://www.tomoffinlandfoundation.org/foundation/N_NavbarTOFF.html]
July 1 - August 1, 2008
London, England / Online

Adonis Art
presents:
The Cult of the Warrior
Paintings and Drawings by Kenya Shimizu

On-Line Gallery Available

An exhibition of images from Japan depicting the homoerotic fantasies of an extraordinary young talent and exclusive Adonis Art discovery - the Japanese artist Kenya Shimizu – is happening in London this July.

Kenya is the artistic successor to the internationally famous artist Sadao Hasegawa. His stunning portrayals of magnificently built samurai displaying astonishing tattoos and brandishing weapons are rendered with utmost sensitivity and perfectionism.

In this, his first ever solo exhibition worldwide, he truly captures the intense homoeroticism that lies beneath the Cult of the Warrior.

Born in Japan in 1976, he has been exhibiting his work at the joint Rainbow Arts Exhibition in Tokyo since 2000. In 2001, he was awarded at the 5th Emerging Erotic Artist Contest by the Tom of Finland Foundation and has since been publishing his colourful illustrations in publications across Japan.

Interview – Kenya Shimizu @ Adonis Art Gallery 2008

1) Have you always been interested in art?

Definitely! My favourite period is Art Nouveau. I also like the book illustrations before the First World War as well as Japanese classic art and animation.

2) Did you go to art college? Was it in Russia? Is that why you sign your work in Cyrillic?

I've never been to art college. I have got a university degree in Russian Language. That's why I sign my work in Cyrillic. I studied pen drawings by myself and learnt how to paint watercolours when I worked as a background painter for Japanese animation.

3) How would you describe your work?

Favourite in my life... because I've always drawn and painted both men who attract me and settings that stimulate my fantasy.

4) What is your favourite medium?

Pen and poster colour. All backgrounds of Japanese animation had been painted using NICKER poster colour until a few years ago. Since then they are painted mostly by computer these days.

5) Have you had any exhibitions in Japan?

No, this is my first solo exhibition. Since 2000 I have participated in the Rainbow Arts Exhibition in Tokyo every summer; a group art show for gays, lesbians and sexual minorities.

6) What is your ambition for your work?

To show my art for gay men to enjoy all over the world! I have two dreams; to hold my own solo exhibition and to publish my art book. One is coming true now... I feel so excited!

Adonis Art
Monday - Friday 10:30
AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday 10:30
AM - 5:00 PM
1b Coleherne Road, London SW10 9BS UK
Phone (from US): 011 44 20 7460 3888
Phone (from UK): 020 7460 3888

Adonis Art Website

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