Details

Hideo Hagiwara's works from the 1950s and 1960s stand as powerful totems of abstract expressionism, capturing the dynamic energy that swept through the global art scene during this period. While the American abstract expressionists focused on the artist’s personal gestures and the physicality of the creative process, Hagiwara chose a different path—one that allowed him to develop a unique and deeply personal voice within the movement. His works convey dynamic abstraction, yet remain unmistakably his own, infused with a sense of quiet introspection.

Untitled, 1963, exemplifies Hagiwara’s distinct approach, focusing on natural materials that work in concert with gestural movements, echoing the forms of calligraphy. The pigments, with a lustrous sheen, reflect light from different angles, adding an extra layer of depth and complexity to the piece. The more one gazes at the painting, the more it seems to open up, revealing a world of intricate detail. Though entirely abstract, the composition subtly evokes primordial calligraphic forms, while simultaneously suggesting representational elements, such as a vast starlit sky. The boldness and spontaneity of the brushstrokes are balanced by a sense of control, making the work feel both free-spirited as well as tightly composed and self-aware. This deeply contemplative composition stands in stark contrast to the more forceful expressions found in the works of Pollock or Motherwell from the same period.

Connoisseur's Note

Hagiwara’s work from this period is among the most coveted by collectors, partly due to the Zen-like simplicity of his compositions and the dramatic use of pigment that characterizes his style. While he is primarily known as a printmaker, his original paintings are exceedingly rare and seldom appear on the market, making this work a prized acquisition for any serious collector.