Hiroshi Masuda

At NowHere, we’re honored to introduce a new body of work by Japanese artist Hiroshi Masuda, our 2025 Studio Program artist-in-residence. Based in Brooklyn and shaped by extensive travels through 76 countries, Masuda’s practice fuses pop culture, Buddhism, and the Japanese concept of mitate—“seeing anew”—into a vivid visual language. His paintings layer cartoon-like figures, sacred icons, and everyday objects into intricate worlds that read as both playful and disarmingly precise, opening space for reflection on cultural, social, and political life today.

Over the course of his year-long residency with NowHere in DUMBO, we are working closely with Masuda in the studio to deepen and share this evolving universe, from his ongoing explorations of Buddhist imagery to works that remix familiar symbols into sharply contemporary meditations. His signature piece, Sahasrabhuja, reimagines the Thousand-Armed Kannon as a kaleidoscope of hands—at once humorous and devotional, exuberant and contemplative—echoing the Buddhist principle of non-discrimination at the heart of his practice.

Masuda’s work has appeared in collaborations with brands such as Adidas Originals, Vogue, and Armani Exchange, and is held in private collections including that of singer-songwriter Sia. The works presented here reflect the range of his vision, with pieces suited to both first-time and longtime collectors.

For availability, detailed images, or to arrange a studio visit or private viewing, please contact the gallery. We’re happy to advise on selections and share further context on Masuda’s themes, process, and series.

Artist Statement: What is “Human Being”? 

We exist between the physicality of animals and the intelligence of AI. Now that AI is evolving rapidly, the question “What is a human being?” has become more relevant than ever. I approach the phenomenon of being human from two perspectives: First, by exploring humanity through culture, society, and politics. Second, by exploring life itself through physics and philosophy. 

A key concept in my approach is mitate, a Japanese tradition of reinterpretation—seeing the familiar in a new way and assigning it new meaning. A well-known example comes from the 16th-century tea master Sen no Rikyū, who, unable to find a suitable flower vase, repurposed a fisherman’s basket from the Katsura River to hold a single pumpkin flower. Mitate embodies creativity, technique, and playfulness, encouraging new perspectives. I integrate this philosophy into my work, transforming existing images and ideas to challenge conventional viewpoints.