Born in Kagoshima, Japan in 1951, Hattori began by pursuing mechanical engineering and technical illustration at Kagoshima National College of Technology in 1972. Then, he moved to Tokyo and enrolled in Musashino Art University, where he successfully completed his studies and graduated in 1980. Seeking further artist development, Hattori extended his education by attending The Art Students League of New York.
Hattori is are represented in many collections in United States and aboard: Bergen Museum of Art & Science in New Jersy, Muscarelle Museum of Art in Virginia, Museo de Arte Contemporanea in Portugal, and many others.
Kikko serves as a remarkable convergence of the artist’s Japanese heritage and his adopted American culture. Born in Japan, Hattori emigrated to the United States in 1981 to pursue his artistic career. However, the nostalgia and traditions of his culture continued to exert a profound influence on his artistic expression.
Within the composition of Kikko, a captivating fusion of grace and elegance emerges through a delicate interplay of pastel and darker tones. The deliberate arrangement of contrasting color blocks that float on a light background create a sense of depth and motion bringing the painting to life. The artist skillfully explores contrasting textures, mixing transparent aeras with passages of heavier brushwork. The painting’s title adds another layer of meaning, cleverly explored by the artist. Derived from “Kitsu-Kow”, or turtle shell, Kikko is a reference to small armor plates worn by Samurai and ashigaru (foot soldiers) of feudal Japan. This playful utilization of the tittle invites viewers to contemplate multiple interpretations, adding a value to the artwork.