Ethos (2023) Painting by Kadota Mitsumasa

Mitsumasa Kadota’s "Ethos" (2023) is a striking composition that exemplifies the artist’s signature exploration of movement, texture, and color dynamics. Executed in acrylic and carborundum on cotton, the painting is a testament to Kadota’s ability to transform pigment into an expressive, almost sculptural medium. The title, "Ethos", evokes the essence of character and guiding principles—suggesting that within its sweeping forms lies a deeper reflection on identity, rhythm, and perception.
Kadota’s mastery of layering and gestural abstraction is fully realized in "Ethos". The painting features sweeping, fluid strokes of emerald greens, deep blues, vibrant yellows, and rich purples, which merge seamlessly yet retain their individual intensity. The composition appears to be in motion, as if captured in a fleeting instant where energy and form meet.
The inclusion of carborundum adds a tactile dimension to the piece, giving certain areas a subtle granular texture that enhances its visual depth. This interplay between smooth acrylic surfaces and textured elements makes the painting highly dynamic, responding to changes in light and perspective. The result is an artwork that continually shifts in its visual impact, offering new details to discover with every viewing.
Kadota’s work has been featured in prestigious collections such as the Sezon Museum of Modern Art and showcased internationally in exhibitions at Lincoln Center in New York and major galleries across Japan, Europe, and beyond. His unique approach to painting—merging material experimentation with deep conceptual thought—has earned him recognition as a compelling contemporary artist.
"Ethos", created in 2023, represents an important evolution in Kadota’s ongoing exploration of abstraction. Its carefully orchestrated balance between controlled movement and spontaneous expression makes it a significant piece within his body of work. The scale of the painting (145.7 × 89.3 cm) enhances its immersive quality, making it a captivating presence in any space.
In person, "Ethos" conveys an overwhelming sense of dynamism. The broad, flowing brushstrokes create a sense of momentum, as if the colors are expanding beyond the edges of the canvas. The transitions between hues are both deliberate and organic, blending seamlessly while retaining a sense of contrast and structure.
The carborundum component introduces a unique surface texture, subtly altering the way the light interacts with the painting. Some areas appear glossy and smooth, while others reveal a more granular depth. This effect makes the painting feel multidimensional, as though the colors are layered in shifting planes. The scale allows the viewer to engage with the work both up close—where details of texture and pigment layering become evident—and from a distance, where the full impact of its movement unfolds.
Kadota’s "Ethos" is a remarkable work that embodies his dedication to the fluidity of color and form. Its balance of spontaneity and control, combined with its textured depth, makes it a compelling addition to any collection. This painting invites the viewer to explore its layers over time, continually revealing new interpretations and visual experiences.