SADAO HASEGAWA 1945-1999 Japan 2

Today, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. In the section of Tokyo, known as Kudan, stands the mighty Yasukini shrine. Directly in from of the shrine is the Maruyama Gallery. It is here, that the opening ceremonies for a show of works by Sadao Hasegawa are being held. From a window in the gallery, a clear view of the Indian Embassy is visible. It was in India, that the birth of Buddha took place. Perhaps, the two masters are eternally inseparable.” – Bungaku Ito The halls of queer history are filled with art. Sadao Hasegawa is another name in a long list of iconic creators who have shaped and changed their culture. His name most often shows up in lists, tied to two others. First, Tom of Finland remains one of the most well-known figures in queer art history. He is described as the “most influential creator of gay pornographic images.” The other name tied to Sadao’s is Yukio Mashima, an author equally controversial as he was iconic. It is primarily due to Hasegawa’s admiration that his name is linked to Mashima’s, as well as their similar deaths. Born in 1945 in Japan, his childhood is remembered as a rather introspective one. He began his pursuit of art fairly young. The work of Tom of Finland has a clear impact on the way Hasegawa portrayed men in his artwork starting out. However, over time the European influences became eclipsed by Indian, Thia, Tibetan Buddhist, African, Japanese, and Balinese. As he began travelling in his twenties, Hasegawa’s art was heavily influenced by the cultures he encountered, and his pieces would reflect this. https://aglutinart.blogspot.com/