2021

I love mythology, and in this painting, I've portrayed simultaneously a historical figure, and a real contemporary celebrity. The historical/mythological figure is Fujiwara no Hidesato, a nobleman of the Japanese Heian period, known for military exploits and mythical feats. Since there are few if any historical portraits done of Hidesato, I used the facial features of the famed Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune. Both men are larger than life heroes, who have reached an almost mythical level. Fujiwara no Hidesato is shown in the legendary moment before he defeats a giant centipede yokai of Mount Mikami. Both men exemplify attributes of courage and hard work, traits that I strive for.