The sell out 2025

Artists who are called "sold out artists" who are particularly attracting attention in the art scene. With a sales rate of over 90% of their works in solo exhibitions and exhibitions, they attract many people with their unique worldview and expressive power. This special feature introduces a wide range of genres from traditional genres such as Japan and Western paintings, to contemporary art and works that make full use of digital technology. Please enjoy it slowly while feeling the solid presence backed by its sell-out track record and the reason for its popularity.

Art should not be esoteric, but something that everyone can intuitively move. With such a strong belief, Kozo Sato is a painter who pursues innovative expressions that will take the viewer's breath away. In 2021, he shocked the art world by inventing the world's first expressive technique "Hidden Art". "Hidden Art" is a truly magical technique that uses luminescent pigments to create two faces in a single painting. In bright places, it pleases the viewer's eyes with vivid and meticulously drawn paintings, and when the lights are dimmed and darkness comes, a completely different scene emerges with phosphorescent light. The dramatic change, in which the story is reversed and a hidden message is revealed, gives the viewer a pure surprise and emotion that transcends logic. This original idea has also been registered as a utility model, proving that Sato is a pioneer in pioneering one-of-a-kind expression. At the root of his creation is his desire to create works that even people who are not familiar with art will think at first glance that they are amazing. He believes that it is the intuitive surprise that directly appeals to human instincts, rather than interpreting it with knowledge or reason, that is truly valuable art. "Hidden Art" can be said to be a way of expression that crystallizes that philosophy. The innovative expressions created by Sato are also backed by solid traditional techniques. Born in Hokkaido in 1966, Sato majored in Japan painting at Tokyo University of the Arts, the highest level in Japan, and completed a master's degree in graduate school. The delicate drawing and compositional skills of Japan painting, which have been cultivated over many years, have become the foundation of a prestigious world of works that are not limited to eccentricity. Sato's challenge, which combines solid skills with unique talent, has attracted a lot of attention both domestically and internationally in recent years. His reputation continues to grow, winning the Grand Prix at "11th Discover The One Japanese Art" held in Paris in 2022, the International Arts and Culture Award from the Japan Japan Cultural Promotion Association the following year, and winning the Kirin Prize at the 1st Art and Literature Association Exhibition held at Nikko Toshogu Shrine in 2024. In recent years, it has also focused on exhibiting in public spaces such as city halls and offices, and has been well received as a "centerpiece to attract customers". The impactful work changed the image of "painting = something that gives healing" to "painting = something that creates a topic and attracts people". It also develops custom-made sales for companies, and many corporate facilities use Sato's works. Kozo Sato, a painter who continues to challenge the present day with expressions that no one has ever seen before, while based on tradition. His works bring out the full potential of art as entertainment and provide us with new and moving experiences. We will continue to keep an eye on the world of wonders that unfold between light and darkness.

Art Selection offers a carefully curated collection of artworks featured on Nihonbashi Art.jp. You’re sure to find the perfect piece that fits any setting — whether at home or in the office.