Masami Teraoka joined Gate 44’s residency program in June of 2023. Working side by side with printmaker Julia Ozherelyeva, the artist produced a series of small zinc plate etchings belonging to a sector of his personal research, inspired by the Edo-period Japanese tradition of woodblock carving called Ukiyo-e. In his artistic research, Masami appropriated artistic languages from the past – such as Ukiyo-e, medieval, and Renaissance painting styles – approaching contemporary social, cultural, and political themes and issues. Teraoka’s works often focused on the meeting of East and West, addressing the economic and cultural impact of globalisation.

“Mere depiction of social and cultural issues is not enough. My work has to create something that goes beyond simple perception. To make a strong statement, art needs timeless aesthetic qualities. These can take any subject matter to a higher level of experience. That is the essence of what I am pursuing.” (Paintings by Masami Teraoka, 1996, p.55.)