
We are pleased to announce the opening of Akihiro Hasegawa’s highly anticipated solo exhibition at √K Contemporary, on view from June 29 (Sat) to 10 August (Sat), 2024.
The exhibition marks the artist’s first exhibition since the completion of his master’s degree in design at the Tokyo University of the Arts this past spring. Presenting varying new works ranging from large-scale to small, canvas and acrylic panel pieces, this exhibition aims to present the up-and-coming Hasegawa’s “now” as he looks towards entering the next stage of his artistic career.
Since his debut exhibition, Yomogi & COMP at √K Contemporary in 2022, Akihiro Hasegawa has exhibited his works at a variety of venues and fairs, cementing his status as one of the most sought after rising young artists. Using the properties of light and peculiarities of sight, Hasegawa’s works essentially project the light seen from digital screens onto analog using acrylic panels and oil paint. Within the surface, Hasegawa’s works convey the glimpse of Buddhist philosophy and view of life and death, that make up the core of Hasegawa’s unique perspectives.
Hasegawa’s ethos is influenced by his religious background, which, while reflecting a philosophy that is distinctly Eastern, also contains a certain je ne sais quoi factor that questions the broader nature of humanity at large. His artistic expression of these thoughts reveals his compassion for humanity and an effort to extend a hand of guidance and encouragement for those struggling with their inner conflicts.
In addition to Hasegawa’s signature acrylic panels and other staple series such as Raigō, this exhibition will also feature new expressions such as charcoal drawings. As an artist and as a human, Hasegawa continues to reflect upon himself by digesting the past while examining the possibilities that the future holds with an inquisitive spirit. Adopting this perspective, we invite you to come explore this special world created by Hasegawa.
There will be additional special events to be held during the exhibition period. Further details will be posted on the exhibition homepage, as well as on all social media platforms.







Akihiro Hasegawa (長谷川 彰宏 b.1997, Mie Prefecture, Japan) is a contemporary artist based in Tokyo, Japan. A successor to a family-run temple, Hasegawa entered the Buddhist priesthood at Saikyo Temple, Mt. Hiei at 10 years old. By 19 years old, he enrolled in the Tokyo University of the Arts, the most prestigious art school in Japan, which, considering its notoriously low acceptance rate, is a rare and striking accomplishment. In 2019, he completed the Buddhist Shidokegyo (Four Preliminary Practices) and, in the following year, began his master’s degree at the Tokyo University of the Arts. His works mainly depict human figures. Eclectic and elaborate, they traverse a range of styles, from Byzantinesque oil pastel drawings to realistic portraits and experimental multilayered acrylic plate paintings. Overarching themes of his works include Buddhist imagery, ideas regarding the existence and potential of space and time in painting, and an inherent curiosity and affinity for human subjects. Hasegawa is an ALT Project creative director and a recipient of the distinguished Kuma Foundation grant.

√K Contemporary (Root K Contemporary) is a contemporary art gallery based in Kagurazaka—an historic Edo-period area of Tokyo rich in art and culture.

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