One of the most exciting young figurative painters today, tomolennon has lived in some of the worlds biggest cities and observed the loneliness that can envelope even while surrounded by millions of people. “We can communicate with others through telephone and the internet without revealing identities. We’re living so closely but I feel the loneliness of the city. Where does is come from? It became the subject of my art.”

tomo sketches at night in cafes and bars. His work is a mix of representational and abstract imagery, his figures shadowy and seductive yet alive with colour. “In my work, there are many night scenes and women. Woman expresses their emotions naturally, including happiness, fear, anger or sadness, and loneliness during a normal workday.” tomolennon’s work connects us with the contrast of urban life, and the loneliness that can pervade though we are never really alone.

He was presented with the "Best Artist" -award from NOW Magazine in 2002 and EYE Magazine in 2003 as the best local visual artist of the year. Tomo's work has been featured in books, magazines and other media, and he has exhibited his works in Canada, U.S., China and Japan.

A self-taught artist, tomolennon was born in Japan in 1973 and now lives in Toronto.

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