Watercolour，acrylic，pencil and collage on Japanese paper

37 x 44 cm. 14 5/8 x 17 3/8 in.

Signed “Key Hiraga” and dated “88” with two seals by the artist on lower left and lower right
Exhibited：Touhou Gallery,Tokyo,Japan,Solo-exhibition of Key Hiraga,5 - 24 September 1988

Key Hiraga
The artworks by Key Hiraga demonstrate his sophisticated skills of representation，indicating a stylistic combination of his Japanese roots and French culture immersion. One could say it's a modern version of Ukiyoe，which successfully represent the present society.
Born in 1936 in Tokyo,Japan,Key Hiraga had aspired to become an artist since childhood. He received a scholarship in 1965 to further study art in Paris. He resided for a long time in Pigalle,a district for pleasure-seekers around the famous Moulin Rouge. He was keen to capture the lustful nightlife in Paris in his figurative and narrative paintings,in a sardonic approach,probing into the social rules and struggles hidden deep in the human nature.
On the Deck,created in 1988,is a paragon of the artist’s works. The awning in red,white and blue provides a sharp visual effect reminiscent of Britain. The two earnest-looking men in formal suits and bowler hats conform to the image of a British gentleman. The lecherous clothing,heavy makeup,orange curly hair,and a pair of mismatched heels of the woman at the center is suggestive of a raunchy place. The two gentlemen,both looking away as if they pay no heed to the woman,are either linked to the under-clothed woman by a red line or physically slanting over the woman. The dubious and raunchy atmosphere on the deck,full of wine bottles,poses an ironic and absurd contrast with the soothing natural scene behind. Through multiple conflicting details,Hiraga lays bare the external piety and inner commotions of the men,as well as the secret affairs among the adults,demonstrating his piercing insights into and criticisms of the human nature.

Price estimate:
HKD：50,000 - 60,000
USD：6,500 - 7,700

Auction Result:
HKD:200,600