Michio Takayama (1903-1994), works at 203 Fine Art

203 FINE ART

Early Moderns to Contemporary

Michio Takayama A Taos Legend

1

Flageolet in Red, 40 x 40", oil on canvas, 1966

An assemblage of works, in our inventory as of January 2018, by The artist Michio Takayaman, gathered from the artist home, private and corporate collections.

1335 Gusdorf Rd . Suite i . Taos NM . 575.751.1262 . www.203FINEART.com

2

Joy, 26 x 30", oil on canvas, c 1980s

Michio Takayama (1903 - 1994) Michio Takayama was a painter committed to his art first and foremost, who expressed his visions of both inner beauty and physical majesty in richly-layered, vibrant abstract paintings. He was an unlikely Taos resident, having been born in turn-of-the-century rural Japan and educated to carry on the family business. But through his unwavering commitment to his art, and a series of unforeseen circumstances, Mr. Takayama found Taos, a place that reflected the vastness of his mind and heart and a place where he could express himself completely with his palette knife and brushes.

Michio Takayama was born on October 11, 1903, in Chiba prefecture, Japan, the first son of a country squire. Following his father’s wishes, he studied law at university and embarked on a banking career in Tokyo.

After work and on weekends, he painted, including eight years of study (1931-39) with noted Japanese landscape painter Shin Kurihara. In 1939, following a series of successes in the modern art community, Michio quit his banking job, and turned to painting full-time. His father promptly disowned him.

Michio won prestigious awards, including one for which he was presented a sword by Prime Minister Tojo. He was a jurying member and active leader in the Niki Artists’ Association. He also traveled extensively in Japan, Taiwan and Manchuria to paint.

3

Orange & Yellow Abstract, 40 x 36", oil on canvas, 1966

Michio Takayama In November 1956, Michio and his wife, Yaye, went to Los Angeles to attend their daughter’s wedding. During the visit, Yaye was diagnosed with cancer and required immediate medical care. This required that she stay in the U.S. beyond their tourist visas. At that time, Michio was exhibiting at the Landau Gallery, (where he later held three successful one-man shows,) and Felix Landau and Illinois Congressman Sidney Yates helped Michio and Yaye acquire their permanent residency visas.

In the summer of 1966, Michio and Yaye were introduced to Taos by a former painting student. It was on that trip that Michio made his first drawings and became enamored with the scenery. The Takayamas moved to Taos in April 1967 to take up their fellowship at the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation Residency program. They built their home and studio in Taos, where Michio, inspired daily by the uninterrupted views of Taos Mountain and the beautiful sunsets, painted and exclaimed, “Taos is best!”

Michio Takayama showed his work in museums and galleries, primarily in the Southwest and Southern California, until the end of his life. He died on January 9, 1994.

4

Sun Dew Point, 50 x 44", oil on canvas, 1975

5

Ink Drawing with Orange, 13 1/4 x 9 1/2", mixed media on paper

6

Unknown Fable, 25 x 13, oil on canvas, dated 1965.

7

Yellow Abstract, 30 x 40", oil on canvas, 1966

8

June Bride, 30 x 24", oil on canvas, 1970s

9

Sky Song Red, 19 x 51", oil on canvas, c 1970s

10

Wedding to the Moon with the Mountain 40 x 22", oil on canvas, 1963

11

Abstract Brown & Black, 9.5 x 6.5 color ink on paper, signed

12

Mind of Autumn, 12 x 24", oil on canvas, c 1970s

13

Invielno, 16 x 37", oil on canvas, c 1980s

14

Hahonoge,30 x 36", oil on canvas, c 1980s

15

Flotsam, 30 x 40", oil on linen, signed lower left, c. 1980s

16

Birth of Tempest, 36 x 30", oil on canvas, 1977

17

Portal Toledo, 40 x 35", oil on canvas, c 1970s

18

Abstract Orange with Calligraphy, 11 x 8" mixed media on paper

19

Thunder Spirit - Awakening, 28 x 20 oil on linen, c. 1970s

20

Space Walker, 36.75 x 20.5", oil on canvas, 1970's

21

Golden Echo, 30 x 24" oil on linen, 1960's

21

Taos Guile 20, 12.5 x 15.75, crayon on paper, 1966

Located south of downtown Taos NM. We are a destination location, open by appointment, for a personalized art experience. Please call or email

1335 Gusdorf RD . Suite i . Taos NM . 575.751.1262 . www.203FINEART.com