Matsuda Hal is an artist who combines the use of the latest technologies such as 3D computer graphics (3D-CGI) and virtual reality (VR) with physical media including silkscreen printing, painting and sculpture to produce his creative works. Through these techniques, Matsuda breaks down the boundaries between opposites, such as the material and the immaterial, reality and fiction, and originals and reproductions. In recent years, he has expanded his expressiveness into video production and beyond.
This exhibition features an installation of new paintings, sculptures, and video works based on the theme of space, which has historically been a projection of humanity’s fiction.
Astronaut
2024
Silkscreen, acrylic, and oil on canvas
120 x 162 cm
Moon Survivor
2025
Single channel video, 4K
Heart Sculpture
2025
Silkscreen, and acrylic on canvas
32 x 23.5 cm
Moon Landing
2025
Silkscreen, and acrylic on canvas
130.3 x 97 cm
Matsuda Hal
Born in 1998. After graduating from the Painting department Printmaking research field of the College of Art and Design at the University of Tsukuba, he completed the Global Seminar at the Graduate School of Kyoto University of the Arts. Matsuda produces VR prints, a combination of engraved prints and VR. These prints allow viewers to experience both real and virtual spaces, offering a new kind of viewing experience.
As I was reading space-related news, I came across an article regarding the Artemis space program. The Artemis program was approved by then-U.S. President Donald Trump in December 2017 as a plan to explore the Moon, and the first phase of the mission, Artemis I was already launched and completed in 2022. The program plan involves a manned test space flight near the Moon in 2025, a lunar landing in 2026 and beyond, with the eventual goal of establishing a base of operations on the Moon. The image I’ve had in my mind of the surface of the Moon was the 1969 photos of the Apollo 11 landing with a manned astronaut crew. Even at the time of that landing, there were speculations and conspiracy theories purporting the landing to be a hoax. I wonder how familiar the subject of space is to me, and to other people? When I consider what is reality and what is not, I find it entirely unclear, not knowing what is true and what is a lie.
When we think of all the technology that’s familiar to us now that we can now use, we might mention smartphones, the Internet, AI and various other technologies. Especially recently, AI seems to be playing an increasingly large role in many fields. I often hear about how AI is being used in cultural pursuits of humans such as in the creation of text, images, music, and videos. In fact, this time I employed it during production as a kind of partner. It was actually quite awkward to provide the detailed instructions so that the AI engine would be more of a help than a hindrance, but I did come to believe that it might become a good partner in the future.
When I think about the future, I note that in the world of science fiction comics and movies, humans are journeying together hand in hand. So perhaps we will see the day when it will be natural for humankind to travel to space, whether I am alive to see it or not.
However, somewhere deep inside of me, I cannot help but to wonder if that is wishful thinking or if it will actually come to pass. With the advent of new technology, the possibilities that can be imagined are limitless. In reality, however, not all such romantic developments occur, and we realize that we are simply wishing, and that reality is formed by actual human desire.
This endless desire may even lead to building a base on the moon, which some may think is impossible. Such a thing will certainly be accomplished outside of the awareness of the majority of people. The people who have such a passive attitude will create a perfect reality with endless lies. Once that has been done, perhaps a new option will come to light.
Matsuda Hal