SADAO HASEGAWA 1945-1999 Japan 1

Sadao Hasegawa (deceased) • Gender: Male • Sexuality: Gay • DOB: Born 1945 • RIP: 20 November 1999 • Ethnicity: Japanese • Occupation: Graphic artist • Note: Is regarded as one of the most influential creators of homoerotic art in Japan. Legacy On November 20, 1999, Hasegawa died from suicide by hanging in a Bangkok, Thailand, hotel. Hasegawa’s suicide occurred on the anniversary of gay author and political leader Yukio Mishima. Hasegawa idolised Mishima, leaving nothing at the scene of his death except a painted rock of his idol and a note. After his passing, Hasegawa’s family were initially going to throw out all the work he left behind. However, they then found the note he left, which detailed his request for all he left behind to be donated to Gallery Naruyama in Tokyo. Ownership of his work was eventually granted to Gallery Naruyama in Tokyo, which now holds the majority of Hasegawa’s collected works. Dr Thomas Baudinette, who wrote the introduction to Sadao Hasegawa’s first published work since the artist’s death, writes of his legacy. “What is most exciting about Hasegawa’s work is that it is so hybrid – Japanese erotic art embedded in a transnational space that responds to western beefcake and Southeast Asian religious imagery,” Dr Baudinette says. “I think that is significant in today’s world, where the community is becoming more globally connected. “Hasegawa shows us what Asia can teach us about homoeroticism. He’s a cosmopolitan thinker who is incredibly relevant right now.” https://aglutinart.blogspot.com/