Ryota Shiga

Born in 1988 in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Ryota Shiga has been passionate about painting since his early childhood. Upon embarking on his formal artistic journey, he realized through accumulating experience that he wanted to paint purely in a manner that pleased him, which led to the development of his current style.

Shiga is a contemporary artist who embeds the philosophy of "Every day is a good day" into the fabric of his works, drawing inspiration from the simple, unnoticed moments of daily life. His art is characterized by a spontaneous, sketch-free approach using oil on canvas, marked by a lightness of touch and expansive composition. He commits to only creating pieces that satisfy him and has declared that he will not reuse compositions that he has employed before.

His artistic mantra, "Every day is a good day," means living in the moment, free from the constraints of the past or future. The ordinary yet enchanting elements of life—fleeting and adorable—spark his creativity, transforming these perceptions into art. His paintings are like a toy box filled with daily musings, capturing the abundant and precious moments of life with a warm brushstroke.

Shiga’s works are a testament to his philosophy of enjoying the present. His canvases invite viewers to find joy and beauty in the routine, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the everyday. This concept has not only shaped his personal creations but also resonated in his numerous solo and group exhibitions across Asia and beyond, including prestigious venues in Tokyo, Osaka, Taipei, and New York.

His recent solo exhibitions include "Every day is a good day: Redrawing the World" at the Origin of Beauty in Tokyo and "Every day is a good day: I too am Picasso" at the March Gallery in Osaka. Shiga has also participated in various international art fairs like the Affordable Art Fair in New York and the BAMA in Busan.

His contributions to the art world have been recognized with several awards, such as the Encouragement Award at the 9th Origin of Beauty Exhibition and the Yuta Okuda and Hisashi Tenmyouya Award at Independent Tokyo in 2023.