ENDO SUSUMU

Endo Susumu, born in 1933 in Yamanashi Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most internationally recognised lithograph artists. He studied at Musashino Art College and Kuwasawa Design School, initially training as a graphic designer. Endo began producing Japanese lithographs in 1979, and since then, his work has been collected by leading institutions around the world. These include the British Museum, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto. In 1999, he was awarded the prestigious Purple Ribbon Award by the Japanese government. His solo exhibition at the Daiwa Foundation in London followed in early 2000.

Endo Susumu’s Japanese lithographs are known for their blend of the ordinary and the ethereal. Early in his career, he used photographic manipulation to depict everyday objects like light bulbs, pencils, and eggs. In 1992, he shifted to working digitally, creating more complex compositions. Although his images may appear multifaceted, each print begins with a single photographic source. Over time, his focus turned toward nature. He often merges natural elements—like trees and grasses—with familiar objects. Light plays a key role in his work, giving the prints a dreamlike atmosphere that feels both modern and timeless.

Despite his global success, Endo Susumu has worked deliberately to avoid being labelled as a "typical Japanese artist." However, his work subtly reflects Japan’s long artistic tradition. His lithographs have been exhibited in over a dozen countries, and he has received numerous awards at international print triennials in Cracow, Norway, and GABROVO. His prints are also held in corporate collections and public institutions across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Through constant experimentation, Endo continues to push the boundaries of contemporary Japanese lithography, drawing deeply from both personal vision and cultural roots.