Wasaburo ITOZONO Exhibition -25 years after his death

《Sand Dunes in Early Summer》Oil on canvas 23.85×28.62in

Eighteen years ago, when this gallery first opened, I encountered a single painting of wildflowers. That moment marked my first encounter with the work of the late master painter Kazusaburo Itozono. Within a deliberately simplified composition, the painting evoked an inner world that seemed to approach the very essence of its subject. I was instantly captivated by its emotional depth and by the serene, poetic atmosphere that quietly yet profoundly resonated within the heart.
Although I never had the opportunity to meet the artist himself, listening to stories shared by his family and by students who were influenced by his teaching gradually revealed the kind of person and painter he was. All spoke of him with deep respect and affection, describing a man of gentle character—quiet, thoughtful, and warm-hearted.
Reflecting on the person he was, I have collected nearly one hundred of his works. From this collection, approximately thirty carefully selected pieces will be presented in this exhibition. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you to the gallery.

Mizoe Gallery　Kazunobu Abe

Wasaburo ITOZONO/Born in 1911 in Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture; died in 2001 in Suginami, Tokyo.
Studied under Kanji Maeda. Affiliated with the Dokuritsu Art Association, the Art and Culture Association, the Shinjin Gakai, and the Free Art Association; later worked independently.
Taught at the Kitakyushu Free Painting Studio and the College of Art, Nihon University. Received an Honorable Mention at the Japan International Art Exhibition and the K Prize at the Contemporary Japanese Art Exhibition, among others.
Works held in the collections of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; the Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Modern Art; the Oita Prefectural Art Museum; and others.