With more than a thousand years of history, Nihonga has undoubtedly been interpreted in countless ways by the many artists who have mastered this artform.

The name itself simply translates to “Japanese-style painting”, coined to distinguish from Western-style oil paintings known as “Yōga”. Nihonga, therefore, does not have strictly defined rules except when it comes to materials. Artists are free to depict any subject in any style they want as long as they incorporate Nihonga’s traditionally used materials, such as sumi ink and pigments.

One artist that took Nihonga to an adorable direction is Yokohama-born artist Marina Furuya. She trained under another Nihonga artist known as Tsuyoshi Suzuki, who also liked to paint lighthearted imagery of animals. But, while her teacher's style is to have intricate details in background sceneries, Furuya likes to use this intricacy on the patterns she paints over the animals instead.

Whether she’s painting kittens, tigers, fish, or pandas, these patterns make sure that Furuya’s work will always stand out. And, if you want to see these paintings for yourself, she is holding a week-long exhibition at the Artglorieux GALLERY OF OSAKA. You can find the full exhibition details below, including the days when Marina Furuya will be present at the venue.

Marina Furuya Nihonga Exhibition (古屋 麻里奈 日本画展)

(Event page) Date: December 8-14, 2021 (Artist will be present at the venue on December 11 and 12) Venue: Artglorieux GALLERY OF OSAKA, 1-7-1 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-8501 Admission: Free