Whitestone Gallery is delighted to present Game of Thought, the first solo exhibition of Japanese artist Tenmyouya Hisashi in Hong Kong. The exhibition showcases a curated collection of works, including both new creations and selected pieces from 2020. This exhibition offers a captivating exploration through the fusion of traditional Japanese themes and contemporary artistic expression. The opening reception will take place on 23 November 2024, from 6 to 8 PM, featuring a live Taiko drum performance, with the artist present.

Born in Tokyo in 1966, Tenmyouya Hisashi is a contemporary Japanese artist known for his unique style, Neo-Nihonga, which revives traditional Japanese painting for modern audiences. Tenmyouya has consistently depicted heroic images in the history and context of Japanese art, from the raging gods of the mythical world, armored warriors, Edo knights, and modern Sentai heroes. He has participated in significant exhibitions, including The American Effect - Global Perspective on the United States, 1990-2003 at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York (2003) and the 17th Biennale of Sydney in Australia (2010). His works are collected by various renowned public institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Chazen Museum of Art, Art Gallery of South Australia, and Takamatsu City Museum of Art.

The highlight of the exhibition is the extraordinary piece Mickey Arrive (2020), a collaboration with Disney, measuring an impressive 3 meters in width. This original artwork will be unveiled for the very first time, inviting viewers to experience its striking presence and unique creativity. Mickey Arrive draws inspiration from the Shigisan Engi Emaki, the oldest Emakimono (painted handscroll) in Japan, created around 1150 during the Heian period. Designated as a national treasure by the Japanese officials in 2006, it is one of the four great Emakimono of Japan. The piece features a distinctive Rinpa style presentation with a gold leaf background and an ancient color palette, innovatively replacing the original child figure with Mickey Mouse, infuses the artwork with interest and freshness, redefining the possibilities of traditional art.

In addition, the exhibition will also feature an intriguing selection of other works, including animals in armor, samurai, and heroic teams, each referencing classical Japanese themes while incorporating modern interpretations. For instance, Sumo Wrestler Defeating a Yokai (2024) portrays a giant sumo wrestler battling Yokai — mythical entities from Japanese folklore that embody strange phenomena beyond human understanding. Together, these pieces showcase Tenmyouya's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bridge the past with the present, encapsulating the metaphorical depth and critical spirit for which he is known, and offering viewers a unique lens to engage with traditional narratives.

Game of Thought invites viewers to engage deeply with the art while embracing a playful spirit. The exhibition aims to blend contemplation and creativity, presenting works that encourage reflection and spark joy, ultimately transforming the viewing experience into an interactive journey that resonates on both intellectual and emotional levels.