Miwa Komatsu's acclaimed exhibition "Sacred Nexus: Resonating with Cosmos," which drew 20,000 visitors and great popularity in Sapporo, will also be presented at the Hakodate Museum of Art, Hokkaido. Visitors in Hakodate will have the opportunity to experience her works that depict prayer and the cycles of life.

Exhibition Scenery

The internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Miwa Komatsu (b. 1984) embraces the philosophy of "Great Harmonization." After getting her start making copperplate engravings with black as a keynote, Komatsu awakened to the world of color through the experience of visiting and dedicating her work at Izumo Taisha, a Shinto shrine in Shimane Prefecture. In recent years, she has further developed her practice with vivid dancing colors in large-format paintings, three-dimensional works, and installations.

Miwa Komatsu "At times taking the form of a blizzard, it watches over the choices and lives of humankind" 2025, 194.0 × 259.0 cm, Acrylic on canvas, Artist's collection

One element that remains constant throughout Komatsu's diverse range of expressions is the use of divine spirits. The artist has discussed how since since she was a child she has felt an intimate connection to divine spirits, who acted as her guides. Later, in the process of traveling around the world, Komatsu discovered that divine spirits were part of many faiths and religions. This ultimately led her to believe that divine spirits are the common link in the act of prayer that is practiced throughout the world. This, she explains, is why divine spirits are a motif that is central to her philosophy.

After engaging in deep mediation, Komatsu channels the heat that is stored and emitted from the bodies of divine spirits to power her brush, making it seem as if were driven. This exhibition, focusing largely on these divine spirits, consists of some 60 works, including series that visualize folk tales and legends from many different regions, large pieces that embody a singular cosmic vision, and new works that were inspired by the natural landscape and local traditions of Hokkaido.

Exhibition Scenery

Exhibition Information

Exhibition Title: Miwa Komatsu | Sacred Nexus: Resonating with Cosmos
Period: September 20th (Sat) - November 30th (Sun), 2025
Venue: HAKODATE MUSEUM OF ART, HOKKAIDO Goryokaku-cho 37-6, Hakodate
Opening hours: 9:30-17:00 (Last entry is 30 minutes before closing).
Closed: Mondays(except Oct. 13, Nov. 3, and Nov. 24)
View charges: General admission: 920 (720) yen High school & university students 610 (410) yen Elementary & junior high school students 300 (200) yen
*Figures in ( ) indicates advance sales, groups, and repeat visitors
*Admission is free for visitors with a disability certificate,rehabilitation certificate, or mental health, welfare certificate and one accompanying person.

Organized by: Hakodate Museum of Art, Hokkaido
Co-sponsored by: The Hokkaido Shimbun Press, Hakodate Office Supporter: The Sapporo Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd., Hokkaido Railway Company, Hakodate Branch, Goryokaku Tower Corporation, Ichii-no-Kai, Volunteer Group of the Hakodate Museum of Art, Hokkaido Special Cooperator: Fudo Co., Ltd., Whitestone Gallery
Endorsed by: City of Hakodate, Hakodate City Board of Education, Japan Broadcasting Corporation, Hakodate Station, FM Iruka(Mt.Hakodate Ropeway Corporation Community FM Division)

HAKODATE MUSEUM OF ART. HOKKAIDO