After graduating from the Department of Design at Tokyo University of the Arts, he moved to the United States, and after returning to Japan, he opened a design office and was in charge of advertising for Kanebo, Nikko, Mitsui Bank, and the Yomiuri Shimbun. He won the Mainichi Advertising Award, the Chunichi Advertising Award, and the Semi-Magazine Advertising Award.
After that, he taught as a professor of design (design and color) at universities and graduate schools for many years.
Currently, he creates abstract paintings that can express color and design to the fullest in acrylic paintings.
The current challenge is to express stable spirituality on canvas, not art that is unstable and strange.
In a solo exhibition at the Paris International Salon
From the editor-in-chief of Patrice de la Lipére "Unibert Desarts"
"None of them are mysterious works. Like a kaleidoscope, Yoshioka Toru's works move and change. Each time you look at it, depending on the angle, they make you notice different aspects. It is a very intelligent approach. The skillful use of colors in this work gives unevenness and depth, creating a light source that illuminates the work.
These works felt religious thoughts, and I was particularly impressed by "Parinamana". It was studded with different motifs, and I saw respect for religion and tradition...".
Graduated from the Department of Design, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts
Member of the JIAS Japan International Artists Association
WORKS Works
INTERVIEWInterview
Toru Yoshioka
Please tell us how you started drawing.
When I was in the lower grades of elementary school, when I had a drawing assignment in art class, I was able to draw a path using perspective that my mother taught me, while my classmates were worried about how to write. Also, when I drew a scene of Nikolai Hall with art, it was published in a major newspaper. When I exhibited at the Nippon Exhibition in that flow, I became the youngest person to win the award, and the people around me were surprised. I had a talent for drawing since I was a student, and when I drew without hesitation, I often received praise from my teachers and friends.
After graduating from Tokyo University of the Arts, I moved to New York. Inspired by pop art pioneer Andy Warhol and others, he returned to Japan and got a job at a design office at a major department store. After that, I became independent in my early 30s and was in charge of advertising for major media outlets. After many years of teaching design at university and graduate school, he began his own creative career at the age of 70.
「Insense」
作：吉岡徹
What is the difference between the days of the designer and the current creative activity?
The direction of my creative activities is completely different from when I was a designer now. If you have a sponsor, there will be restrictions such as layout and standards. Of course, designing as a business generates money, so it is natural to create according to the sponsor's wishes, but for me, it was nerve-boggling. Because of this, I wanted to create expressions without constraints, and I became independent. After that, I worked as a teacher in design and color studies at universities and graduate schools, and after retiring, I began to create abstract paintings as my heart turned to them. I think my current creative activities can be said to be pure art.
"Mudra"
Written by: Toru Yoshioka
Please tell us about your thoughts and sources of inspiration in your current creative activities.
In fact, my current creation is for mental health. It's a stress reliever. For my physical and mental health, I paint without getting caught up in anything. I am currently 82 years old, but as I got older, I became attracted to gods and Buddhas. On my days off, I occasionally visit shrines and temples, but I also get inspiration that leads to my creations.
I once exhibited my geometric works in a solo exhibition in France, where I was evaluated as similar to "Cubism". I was influenced by the works of Picasso, Braque, and in Japan, the works of Seiji Togo and Taro Okamoto, so it may be a similar expression.
Please tell us about your work which one you think is most personal.
The "No Leakage" I painted last year is the most personal work. I was able to express what I wanted to appeal to, both in color and shape. Non-leakage is a Buddhist term that refers to the absence of impurities and afflictions. I think that the state of mind that tries to continue to grow while being misled by afflictions is like life itself.
"No leakage"
Written by: Toru Yoshioka
Please tell us your thoughts on future work.
As I get older, my physical strength declines, so I think that drawing large paintings will gradually become a burden on my body, but I would like to continue to use abstract expression in the future. There is no end in sight to the expression I am working on now.
I think you can enjoy the changes in geometric forms if you look at them from various perspectives. As one perspective, I would be happy if you could remember the feeling of wanting to be grateful to the gods and Buddhas.
After a rich career as a designer, he entered the path of fine art. Expressions that are freed from shackles reflect the human mind itself, which continues to grow while facing afflictions. The kaleidoscopic world created by geometric forms and colors shows infinite expressions depending on the viewer's mental state and perspective. Toru Yoshioka still says, "There is no end in sight to expression." His spirit of exploration and passion for creation will not diminish and will continue to deepen in the future. I have high hopes for his future success.
EXHIBITIONS Exhibition Information
2023.08.07 - 2023.08.13
Geometric illusion: The pursuit of geometric expression.
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Artist Toru Yoshioka's work
It will be available at "Gallery Gen-so-ka".
The work of the published artist Toru Yoshioka It will be available at the gallery "Gallery Gen-so-ka" in Japan Bridge, Tokyo.
At the art gallery "Gallery Gen-so-ka" in Japan Bridge, Tokyo (2-2-3 Oyster Shell Town, Japan Bridge, Chuo-ku, Tokyo),
Japan exhibition and sale of the works of Toru Yoshioka, an artist published in Art.jp Bridge, has begun.
We will form a business alliance with two companies that disseminate art based in Japan Bridge, and we will focus on revitalizing the art industry that both parties are aiming for.
When you are in your area, please stop by "Gallery Gen-so-ka" and see the works on display.
●Gallery Gen-so-kaWe always welcome you with 1,000 items in stock and 150 items on display.
You don't even need to open heavy doors. You don't even have to imagine the atmosphere in the store.
You don't feel nervous about the customer service of the store clerk.
An open-door gallery that can be entered in one step from the street.
Address: 〒103-0014 1F, 2-2-3 Oyster Shell Town, Japan Bridge, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
TEL：03-3666-6032
●吉岡徹｜Yoshioka ToruGraduated from the Department of Design, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts
Member of the JIAS Japan International Artists Association
He is in charge of advertising for Kanebo, JAL, Mitsui Bank, and the Yomiuri Shimbun.
He won the Mainichi Advertising Award, the Chunichi Advertising Award, and the Semi-Magazine Advertising Award.
He is the author of many books, including "The Aesthetic Sense of Life Modeling (Home Economics Education Company)" and "New Handbook of Color Science (University of Tokyo Press)".
● Organizer:Japan Bridge Art.jpFrom the center of Japan Bridge, where history and tradition are alive, we carefully select and disseminate paintings and arts and crafts with universal value to Japan and abroad, and at the same time,
We also provide the latest information on contemporary art and works by notable young artists in a full lineup.
Please enjoy the fascinating world of art like never before.
Operating Company:Veda Ten Co., Ltd.Address: 〒103-0012 Sumitomo Fudosan Ningyocho Building, 2-2-1 Horidomecho, Japan-bashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
TEL：03-6264-8788
2026.02.16 - 2026.02.28
Toru Yoshioka Web Solo Exhibition Geometric illusion — The Pursuit of Geometric Representation —
Geometric lines and colors lead the viewer to the mental world.
It expresses aesthetics and prayers for superhuman beings.
I would like to continue to pursue "geometric illusions," which has been a research theme for many years, and express the world of spirituality in my works.
I am delighted to be able to present at the "Geometric illusion exhibition" this time.