Essay/エッセイ Art Collectors’ article by author|Published -Updated I was introduced to THEO HAZE by a mutual acquaintance and curated his solo exhibition at the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art space this past February(2021). I was surprised at the great response I received from him. He has an unusual background, having graduated from an art university, but after getting into rock music, he discovered the Tsugaru shamisen, and started drawing art about 10 years ago. His central theme is ONI (demon/spirit, Japanese imaginary creature having human-like body with two horns). With the spirituality of “onu” (not being), he goes to shrines and temples alone as the axis of his life and plays the Tsugaru shamisen with the meaning of requiem.There are several patterns in his works, such as pop style, prayer style, and clay figures. Also, although I have not yet purchased it because I am keeping an eye out for changes, the pop-style piece with the ONI’s eyes coming out is memorable once you see it. I hope that his work, which is his own way of expressing something that comes from inside, will catch the attention of foreign galleries and be taken up, and that it will find fans in Japan. Related posts: No related posts.