Sota sakuma

Sota Sakuma (b. 1977, Aichi Prefecture, Japan) first encountered Czech Puppetry while studying Textile Design at the University of Tokyo (1996-2000). This unexpected discovery led him to Prague, where he immersed himself in the world of puppet theater, profoundly influencing his artistic trajectory. Under the guidance of stage designer Petr Matásek, he studied at the Department of Scenography of Alternative and Puppet Theater at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.

Since 2000, Sakuma has resided in Prague, drawing inspiration from the tenderness of Jiří Trnka and the surrealism of Jan Švankmajer, which he blends with his own unique style. His childhood fascination with nature and animals fueled his imagination, leading him to create fantastical visions imbued with symbolism, now depicted on canvas. Sakuma's paintings depict a unique reality inhabited by beings from the living and the dead, balancing darkness with humor, grotesqueness, and kindness.

His works invite viewers into a magical world populated by tiny creatures, miniature animals, bizarre monsters, and enchanting plants, evoking a sense of childlike innocence and wonder. Sakuma's puppets, almost supernatural in their essence, blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy, inviting viewers to search for hidden meanings and transcend definitions.

The impact of Sakuma's art lies in its poetic visual storytelling, meticulous craftsmanship, and attention to detail. His paintings blur distinctions between the real and the ideal, inviting viewers to engage with the work on multiple levels and discover the joy of pure painting and the richness of symbolism embedded within.