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Hasegawa Sadao
(1945 - November 20, 1999) Japan

Hasegawa Sadao

Illustrator

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Early in his career he focused on Greek and African themes in his artwork. But a self-realization of his own origins led him to embark on a path of discovery of the erotic beauty of Asia. As a young artist, Sadao was most influenced by the drawings of Goh Mishima (a Barazoku illustrator) and Tom of Finland. In 1989, upon the death of Mishima, Hasegawa wrote and article for Barazoku, in which he declares "Goh Mishima, a master illustrator of the male physique".

In 1973 he held hid first exhibition "Sadao Hasegawa's Alchemism-Meditation" at Be-In in Seibu Department Store, Shibuya, Tokyo. Over the years, the style of Sadao Hasegawa has undergone major transformations. In 1978, the year he first came to Barazoku, Sadao's drawings were reflective of European society. A style, Hasegawa claimed, inspired by the wartime works of Tom of Finland.

Hasegawa Sadao's drawingIt wasn't until the 1980's, when Sadao began making frequent trips to Bali and Thailand, that he devoted himself to the teachings of Buddha. It is art juxtaposed with life that produced the images of Hasegawa's later years. These works are most familiar to us today.

His last works took stylistic inspiration from the traditional arts of Bali, India, Thailand and Japan, in combination with the physical beauty of the Asian male. The high level of Hasegawa's artistry elevated erotic art to a spiritual realm and was unparalleled among his peers. Two collections of his works were been published in Japan and England, the last being Paradise Visions (1996).

Hasegawa Sadao committed suicide in Bangkok. Nothing has ever been published, in English at least, that explains or comments on Sadao's drastic act. He was not ill or give any signs of depression on intent to take such a drastic step. If there was a written note or message, it has not been revealed.

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