Takayuki Maejima

I am a Japanese artist based in Tokyo. I lived and worked in Barcelona from 2008 to 2024, and the experience of observing and drawing the city became central to my artistic practice.

My cityscapes are created entirely on location rather than from photographs. I am interested not only in recording what a place looks like, but also in preserving the atmosphere of a particular moment: the air, temperature, light, shadows, smells, and sounds. Standing within the scene allows me to choose my own frame and perspective while responding directly to what is happening around me.

I draw directly from life with permanent markers on paper, without making a preliminary sketch. Every line is final, so each stroke records both what I saw and the movement of my hand at that moment. In many works, I then add colour and depth with coloured pencils. The slight irregularities that arise through this process are an essential part of the finished drawing.

I also create landscapes and figurative works on an iPad, which allows me to respond quickly to fleeting changes in light and colour. As these works originate digitally, they are presented as art prints rather than unique works on paper.

In 2012, I began a project I call Everyday I draw Barcelona. I...

“New Power Exhibition” at Gallery Jiyugaoka, Tokyo (2025)
“¿Quién verá las últimas abejas?” at Taller Balam, Barcelona (2023)
“La Millor Barcelona” at Uvedoble Art Studio, Barcelona (2023)
“Japanese Art Show” at Galería Valid Foto BCN, Barcelona (2018)
“Barcelona Designers Collective” at La Roca Village, Barcelona (2017)
“Hipermerc’Art” at Moritz Store, Barcelona (2016)
“Hipermerc’Art” at Moritz Store, Barcelona (2015)
“Hipermerc’Art” at Vinçon, Barcelona (2014)