Hiroshi Senju

Hiroshi Senju (b. 1958) is a Japanese painter known for his immersive depictions of waterfalls, cliffs, and natural phenomena, created through a contemporary approach to traditional Nihonga painting. Born in Tokyo, Senju studied at Tokyo University of the Arts, where he earned both his BFA and MFA, developing a strong foundation in classical Japanese materials and techniques while cultivating a distinctly modern visual language.

Working with mineral pigments on paper, Senju explores the movement, weight, and atmosphere of water and landscape. His waterfall paintings, often executed on a monumental scale, are defined by subtle tonal transitions and a careful balance between detail and abstraction. Rather than describing a specific place, these works evoke a sensory and contemplative experience, emphasizing the continuous flow and transformation of nature.

Senju gained international recognition in 1995 when he became the first Asian artist to receive an Honorable Mention at the Venice Biennale. Since then, his work has been widely exhibited across Japan, the United States, and Europe.

In addition to his studio practice, Senju has completed major site-specific commissions, including installations for the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in Philadelphia and a large-scale work for Haneda Airport in Tokyo. His work is held in prominent collections such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Through his synthesis of tradition and innovation, Senju continues to expand the expressive possibilities of contemporary painting.