An exhibition of works by painter Ishizawa Akio, "100 New Views of Mt. Iwaki," is currently being held at the Aomori City Namioka Community Center "Apines" (Namioka, Namioka, Aomori City), near JR Namioka Station.

Mr. Ishizawa lives in Namioka, Aomori City, and has been active as a painter while serving as the president of an outdoor advertising company. This year, he handed over the business to his eldest son, and is now based in Namioka, where he is making paintings, sculptures, and other creative endeavors his life's work.

Ishizawa, who began painting Mt. Iwaki during the COVID-19 pandemic, held an exhibition of his accumulated works titled "100 Views of Mt. Iwaki Oil Paintings" in 2021, and has since held exhibitions every year in Namioka, Hachinohe, and other locations. This time, 85 of his 380 works, including 41 new pieces, will be exhibited. In addition to the figurative landscapes that evoke the seasons, abstract works are also a highlight.

Ishizawa says, "Mount Iwaki, which I have seen since I was a child, is like a mother to me. Even during the anxious times of the coronavirus pandemic, it always watched over me with its majestic beauty. My faith in Mount Iwaki has deepened since I first started painting it. I am happy to be able to paint it with a sense of awe as my life's work."

Ishizawa says that visitors' comments such as "I feel energized and encouraged" and "I'm looking forward to your new works" motivate him to continue painting. "I never get tired of painting Mt. Iwaki, which shows different faces depending on the atmosphere of the day, the light of the time of day, the season and the location," he says. From the hundreds of types of paint, the urge to paint with orange, yellow, rose pink, etc., and the constant inspiration that comes down to him are also what motivate him to create new works.

Ishizawa says, "The scenery of Mt. Iwaki in each season is expressed from various angles using a variety of colors and touches. I hope you will enjoy it with your own sensibilities."

The event will be held from 9:00 to 18:00. Admission is free. Until December 15th.