For more than seven years, Bez Limita magazine has been connecting artists from different backgrounds, creating a space for the exchange of ideas, cultures, and creative expressions. One example of this kind of intercultural connection is the Japanese painter Shigenori Yasuoka, who learned about the magazine through the art community in Niš, establishing a connection that opens the way for his work to reach readers in Serbia.
In Yasuoka’s artistic practice, imagination, emotions, and various cultural influences intertwine. His paintings present unusual scenes, ranging from mythical encounters between different cultures to spontaneous visions characteristic of his artistic sensibility. Between the real and the imagined, the artist leaves room for personal interpretation, inviting viewers to discover their own stories within his works. It is precisely this openness that creates the possibility for art to become a meeting place for different experiences and perspectives on the world.
Mr. G, or Ghost, is the beloved dog of one of my former English teachers. He would occasionally join us during our lessons, bringing warmth and joy into the classroom and always managing to brighten my day.
Wanting to capture that same warmth on canvas, I painted Ghost alongside a bluebird, a timeless symbol of happiness, hope, and good fortune. Through this painting, I wanted to express the simple yet profound joy he brought into my life.
Sadly, Ghost has not been feeling well lately. This painting has therefore taken on an even more personal meaning, becoming a small tribute to him and a heartfelt wish for his recovery. I hope he regains his strength soon and returns to bringing happiness to everyone around him.
This painting depicts an unexpected encounter between a Japanese dragon and a Western dragon, brought together by chance in the open sky. Inspired by the distinctive mythologies and artistic traditions of two different cultures, I began to wonder what kind of story might unfold if their paths crossed in a spirit of peace rather than conflict.
What if these two powerful mythical beings, despite their differences, approached one another with curiosity, mutual respect, and a willingness to understand? Instead of becoming rivals, they might discover common ground and forge an extraordinary friendship.
Through this painting, I wanted to explore the possibility of harmony between different worlds and express the hope that even the most unlikely encounters can lead to understanding, cooperation, and lasting friendship.
This painting emerged from instinct rather than intention. Without a particular subject or story in mind, I allowed my thoughts and emotions to guide the creative process, letting images take shape naturally on the canvas. The result is a glimpse into my inner landscape at that particular moment, captured without a predetermined meaning or direction.
Even the three white trees remain a mystery to me. I cannot say what they represent or why they appeared as they did, and perhaps that uncertainty is part of what makes the painting meaningful. Rather than assigning it a fixed interpretation, I prefer to leave its symbolism open, inviting each viewer to discover their own meaning within the image and connect with it in a personal way.
Biography of Shigenori Yasouka
Born in Hokkaido in 1975.
Painting history: Entered the Setsu Mode Seminar in 1999. Start drawing. Mainly active in the Homesick Gallery Club.
Award history and selection history: Selected for the Aoyama Design Award, Prize winner of the Liquitex Biennale (Student Club / As a Setsu Mode Seminar), Selected for Tokyo Wonder Wall, No. 0 exhibition (later Wonder Seed) selected, Kaya Art Competition 2020 Forest and People Award.
Solo exhibitions and major group exhibitions: 2016-2020 Annual group exhibition at Homesick Gallery Club （Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre’s Gallery), 2021 Apricot is calling (Arico Rouge / Nagano ), 2022 Apricots are calling (Art Gallery Blanc / Nagano ), Rabbit Exhibition (art Truth Gallery / Yokohama), 2023 FROM HOME TO (Ayana Ichikawa × Kimiyo Sato × Shigenori Yasuoka / River Coffee & Gallery / Tokyo), 2024 Chiba International Exchange Exhibition (Chiba), 2025 Wanna Leap to South (SAKURA GALLERY / Tokyo), Flying Horse Exhibition (Group Exhibition / art Truth Gallery / Yokohama ), 2026 The Child that you still are (Purple Beret × Shigenori Yasuoka / SAKuRA GALLERY / Tokyo)
Recenzent: Strahinja Crnić Trandafilović
Photos: Private archive