Introduction to Primary Art

Vol.7 - Living with Art @ Matsuya Ginza

We are pleased to present the exhibition "Living with Art," bringing to life the world of the serialized series on matsuyaginza.com, "Living with Art from Ginza: A Fulfilling Life Starting with 'Primary Art'." Featuring Tomio Koyama Gallery and ANOMALY—two leading galleries in the contemporary art scene—the exhibition presents installations that pair furniture with artwork. Come and experience firsthand the harmony created between art and interior design in a residential space.

Dates: November 4 (Wed) – November 10 (Tue)

Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
*Closes at 7:30 PM on Sunday, November 8 / Closes at 5:00 PM on the final day

Admission: Free

Venue: THE HOME | Matsuya Ginza 7F

Artist Pick Up
Midori Sato: Light-filled paintings blossoming in life’s delicate moments

"Living with Art from Ginza: A Fulfilling Life Starting with 'Primary Art'" is an art feature currently running on Matsuya Ginza's official website (matsuyaginza.com).

In connection with the exhibition "Living with Art @ Matsuya Ginza" starting on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Matsuya Ginza 7F THE HOME, we bring you a special interview.

We spoke with painter Midori Sato—one of the leading figures in the contemporary art scene whose delicate and beautiful floral works will be on display at this exhibition—about her unique creative style that vividly captures the subtle beauty of daily life, the charm of displaying art at home, and her warm memories associated with Matsuya Ginza.

Finding Inspiration Naturally: Capturing Moments That Spontaneously Capture the Heart

— Your paintings convey a deeply endearing view of everyday life through the ordinary, familiar objects around you—such as closets, shelves, clothing, and high heels. It feels as though you paint with a sense of gratitude for the subtle beauty in the mundane. Where does the inspiration for your work usually come from?

Sato: I feel like I am always searching for inspiration in a very natural way. It comes from moments that suddenly capture my heart—for example, when a strikingly beautiful light spills over flowers, or when I catch a sudden glimpse of striking clothes lined up, or when I encounter a scene of flowers in full, lovely bloom. I think I am constantly looking out for something, casting my eyes toward those fleeting, everyday moments.

— Living with that perspective daily, those moments that strike a chord within you must be your primary motivation to paint.

Sato: Yes, absolutely. Whenever I find myself deeply drawn into something or encounter a scene like that, I often feel a strong impulse: "I want to capture this exact sight in a painting."

No Rough Sketches: "Live Energy" and "Accidental Beauty" Born Upon the Canvas

— When I previously watched you create a piece in a live painting session, I was deeply impressed by the fact that you rarely make rough sketches before painting.

Sato: That’s true. Normally, I either decide what I want to paint and then select the canvas size, or I look at a canvas and intuitively think, "What would be most fitting to paint right here?" From there, without making any preliminary sketches, I simply jump right in and face the canvas.

If I were to make a rough draft first, I feel like I would inevitably lose some of that initial freshness and excitement. To keep those feelings intact, I prefer to face the stark white canvas with a clean, fresh mindset.

— In terms of technique, you use two main approaches: using oil paints exclusively, or combining acrylics with oil paints.

Sato: Yes. When using oil paints alone, I paint directly onto the canvas. However, when I combine acrylics and oils, I begin by pouring acrylic paint across the entire surface of the canvas.

While I keep a rough direction in mind, I try not to overcalculate, letting the paint flow to invite accidental phenomena. At this stage, a vague impression of the motif I want to paint begins to emerge. Once the acrylic dries, I transition to the oil painting phase, layering oil paints to build up texture (matière) and depth of color, gradually guiding the work toward completion.

— So it begins almost like an abstract painting, with concrete shapes slowly emerging. Do you not have a perfectly clear picture of the finished piece from the very start?

Sato: Right. I hold a loose image of the general direction in mind, but beyond that, I go with the flow, allowing the work to deepen as I paint.

If I decide on the final image from the beginning, it feels a bit restrictive, as if the enjoyment is cut in half. I place great value on the "live energy" of surrendering to an unexpected flow. I observe the canvas, feeling my way toward completion by thinking, "I want to preserve this part of the surface," or "I want to keep this accidental beauty."

Creating a Light, Lively Composition. Decorating Transforms Your Usual Space into Something "One of a Kind."

— It seems the secret behind the "vibrant sense of dynamism" felt in your work, Ms. Sato, lies in that live quality. What is the single most important thing you value in your creative process?

What I value most is "lightness" and "nimbleness." I try to create compositions by seeking a sense of personal comfort, rather than overthinking or digging too deeply into heavy concepts. I hope to capture the true essence of the subject effortlessly without overworking the piece, and perhaps that is what connects to the lightness of my work.

— In the upcoming "Living with Art @ Matsuya Ginza" exhibition, various contemporary artworks, including yours, will be displayed in the "THE HOME" interior sales section and the special VIP room. Unlike standard galleries, how do you feel about the experience of having art integrated into interior living spaces?

Just hanging one of your favorite paintings in a room instantly brightens the space, transforming it into your very own "one-of-a-kind special place." Spending rich, everyday moments alongside art you love brings an irreplaceable joy to daily life.

— Finally, could you share a memory you have with Matsuya Ginza?

I am originally from Nagoya, but when a selection exhibition during my fourth year of university was held at a gallery in Kyobashi, Tokyo, I visited Matsuya Ginza nearby all by myself to do some shopping. I vividly remember how thrilled I was visiting my favorite shops, like Agnès b. and Pleats Please. More recently, after my daughter was born, I visited again after a long time to look for children's clothes. I was moved by how many adorable clothes there were, and at the same time, I happened to discover "Caffè Chianti" on the same floor. I had some delicious herbal tea and cake, which made me feel truly happy.

Artist Profile