The Jean Pigozzi Collection Of Contemporary Japanese Art

Daijiro Hama / 濱 大二郎

born in 1984, in Shimane Prefecture, Japan.
Lives and works int The Hague, The Netherlands.

Daijiro Hama grew up in the Shimane prefecture of southern Japan, a region rich with ancient legends and dotted with shrines. Surrounded by stories of yōkai, or monsters, from an early age, drawing became as natural to him as daily life itself. His childhood dream of becoming an antique dealer led him to spend five years in Canada, where he realized that his passion for drawing was far deeper than a mere habit.
Upon returning to Japan, Daijiro settled in Kyoto and studied under a sumi ink artist who taught him not only the technique but also the philosophy behind monochrome work. This training profoundly influenced his style, which initially centered on black and white compositions.
Currently based in The Hague, Netherlands, Daijiro Hama’s artistic practice involves creating figurative paintings that explore color combinations inspired by animals, birds, fish, and insects. Using acrylic and gouache on fabric, he experiments with color gradations and contrasts to represent landscapes and figures, where the colors convey both environmental situations and individual character traits.
His work balances minimalism with conceptual depth, inviting viewers to engage emotionally and imaginatively. Through his evolving use of color and form, Daijiro continues to shape a unique visual language that reflects his inner world and artistic journey. .