KASAI MASAHIRO

Artistic Background and Education

Kasai Masahiro, born in Tokyo in 1954, is a prominent figure in modern Japanese silkscreen printmaking. He studied at Tokyo Gakugei University and later trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Over the years, Kasai has shown his work in Australia, the USA, and across Europe.

His silkscreen prints are included in prestigious collections, such as the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris and the Osaka Contemporary Art Centre. He has also received multiple awards at global triennials in Osaka Japan, Frechen Germany, and Krakow Poland, which reflect his international acclaim. 

Style, Technique, and Themes

Kasai Masahiro’s Japanese silkscreen prints centre on themes of light, water, and seasonal change. For more than a decade, he has focused on depicting water from within—a subject that began with his series La Musique de la Mer. His prints create a serene, immersive experience. Kasai is especially known for mastering the bokashi technique, where colour transitions gradually without visible lines. This subtle method allows him to capture the delicate play of light with remarkable finesse.

Legacy and Recognition

Kasai’s minimalist compositions offer a calm and poetic reflection on nature. He blends modern sensibility with traditional Japanese aesthetics in a way that resonates with collectors. His works evoke movement and stillness at once—qualities that give each piece depth and emotional quiet. Whether exploring the rhythm of water or the passage of time, Kasai Masahiro’s silkscreen art continues to engage a global audience. You can view his selected works exclusively at Hanga Ten.