The Japanese artist, Masakatsu Sashie, eclipses the art world with his levitating spheres of elaborate design. As the subject of his works, these spheres dominate with an embodiment of familiar objects. One sphere may be composed of old television screens set to static nothingness, while another may bear the faces of slot machines and plush cushioning.
These worlds can be perceived to be a reflection of industry and technology, all rolled up in a single floating entity. Often times the backdrop these giant orbs inhabit appear post-apocalyptic, roaming around the wastelands and residue of a catastrophic destruction. The cityscapes Sashie imagines are drawn to such accuracy and detail, much can be appreciated from this.
In one of his gorgeous paintings, Jankalin (2015), viewers are faced with a scene of a neighborhood in the dusk of a deep, clear sky. Centered in the painting is a signature huge globe adorned with neon lights of different store fronts and signage. Curiosity is piqued when a small creature is seen one the ground looking up, as it is illuminated by an opening from the sphere. Sashie skillfully utilizes pencil, watercolor, oil paint, and even sculpture to create his riveting imagery.
