萩谷巌

Iwao Hagiya made several trips to France. This work was painted when he turned 80. According to the "Japan Art Yearbook," he said, "On April 18, 1971, I departed for Paris. It was my third trip since the war, and my fifth overall. I stayed on Île Saint-Louis in the heart of Paris and spent my days immersed in creating art. Having turned 80, I felt the urge to go to Paris again. I also felt a desire to emulate Tessai Tomioka, who left behind many excellent works even after the age of 80." Although this work is from his later years, it shows no signs of aging; rather, one can feel the spirit of a painter who lived powerfully through the pre-war and post-war periods, as well as a profound sense of history that seems to tell the story of the place.