BIGEI

Born in 1950 in Kariya City. After graduating from high school, he moved to Tokyo and worked as an assistant in the studios of Morio Shinoda and Tomio Miki, deepening his understanding of metals. This experience influenced his later work in copperplate prints and metal-based artworks.

In 1973, he moved to France and studied printmaking techniques at Atelier 17 under W.S. Hayter until 1977. During this time in Paris, he interacted with many Japanese artists such as Takehiko Matsutani and Isamu Wakabayashi, further exploring expressions using metal and lead. Subsequently, he developed a unique style characterized by copperplate prints featuring grid motifs and relief works created by corroding metal itself.

Starting with the Blois International Art Exhibition in France in 1974, he exhibited his works at various print biennales while regularly showing his works at Gallery Takagi in Nagoya as his main gallery.

In 1982, he went to the United States to assist Shusaku Arakawa with printmaking. For about a year and a half, he worked alongside Arakawa, whose artistic approach greatly influenced him.

After returning to Japan, he continued producing copperplate prints and began creating drawings on paper using various materials. Utilizing pigments, conte, and pencils, he repeatedly applied layers over long periods to pursue the texture (matière) until he was satisfied. This body of work, titled Time Layers, was intensively produced over about 10 years from 1985 to 1995, totaling around 200 pieces. Many of these works remained unpublished at the time.

Drawing from the demanding process requiring immense time and concentration, the artist’s interest gradually shifted toward creating unique monotype works featuring elements reminiscent of East Asian calligraphy starting around 2000. These one-of-a-kind pieces have been collected mainly in Europe and various other countries. In 2006, he was invited to Northern Print in Newcastle, UK, participating in a group print exhibition alongside British artists such as Antony Gormley. The following year, he held a solo exhibition and workshop there.

With broad connections and a profound understanding of contemporary art, alongside firm confidence and conviction in printmaking techniques, he continually pursues originality in his work.