Finger Touch

“First of all, I begin my work by touching the canvas. This action is not only carried out during the process of making the paintings but also initially, just after I stretch the canvas to check its elasticity, weave or texture, using my fingers and the palm of my hand. It is like a test run before applying paint. When I reflect on the moment later, I could say it is a time of hope while my feeling remains neutral.

When I began to make oil paintings, I learned the word “Shishoku-kansou; dry to touch.” It is a technical term when making paintings, which means you can layer paint even if the inside is not completely dry and when you touch the surface, it doesn’t stick to your fingers. I think the word is used in the general paint and coating industry but I like it as it sounds a bit chemical. In any case, I start to work by touching the surface of the canvas, even works that have been made long ago and have obviously already dried.

For me, touching the whole surface is a sort of ritual before applying paint. No matter how the progress of my work goes, every time I ensure that I feel calm and neutral first, then run up to the canvas.

So, I have been reconsidering the action of touching the paintings. It may suggest that the objects are not huge in scale, but I also touch my large works with my fingertips or palms as well. It doesn’t matter how big they are: I realized the action could become somehow heroic and symbolic when the canvas is large, even though there may be an apparent negative action using large erasing strokes. It is as if I’m waiting for revelations about the way to create paintings while I am reflecting on painting and erasing in color. I feel like I can somehow visualize my attitude when standing face to face with my works: then I feel a little embarrassed.

These paintings are yielded through my attempt to focus on the certainty and familiarity of touch.”

Ryoichi Kobayashi


Hino gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition entitled “Finger Touch” by Ryoichi Kobayashi from Monday, July 20th, 2020.

Touching the surface of the canvas is a natural action when you make a painting. This time, Kobayashi tried to make a feature out of this commonplace action. The dynamic brush strokes and the way “to erase” by physically adding the color to the painting (techniques that can be found in many of the artist’s earlier works too), are consequences of the act of touching. The artist has tried to discover further possibilities through the most natural action for making paintings.

Ironically, at the moment, people refrain from touching things freely. Kobayashi’s works would somehow suggest the importance of the simple and primitive action that is inherent in human activity: the sense of touch.

Kobayashi’s works will be showcased at Hino gallery for the first time in 3 years. We hope you will enjoy his most recent paintings, including a large 204 x 270cm scale work.

* To prevent the spread of the COVID-19, please wear a mask when you come to the gallery. The period of the exhibition and opening hours may change according to future circumstances. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.