[Art] Painting is Living: An Interview with Dai Saito, 'FACE Exhibition 2025' Grand Prix Winning Painter

Dai Saito, 'In My Life,' 1,940 x 1,620 mm, oil on canvas. © Dai Saito

Facing the realities of life and death in nursing care, then turning to his canvas upon returning home—this is the daily life of painter Dai Saito, 25. In his studio, filled with the distinct scent of oil paint, he captures the daily imagery he finds beautiful onto his canvas. Since completing his graduate studies this past spring, he has balanced dual careers as an artist and a nursing caregiver, continuing to explore the theme of 'living.' We interviewed him about his early experiences with art, his time at art school, and his creative themes.

[Highlights of this article]
- Dai Saito's Profile
- Encounter with Art
- Finding His Expression Through Detours
- 'Living' as the Main Creative Theme
- Balancing 'Caregiving and Artist'
- Exhibition Announcement

■ Artist Profile
Dai Saito
Born in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture in 2001.
After graduating from the Tohoku University of Art and Design (Painting Course), he advanced to the graduate program, completing his master's degree in Painting Research in March 2026. Notable awards include selection for the 'Idemitsu Art Award 2024' and winning the Grand Prix at the 'FACE Exhibition 2025.' He explores the theme of 'living' through landscapes where figures merge. His solo exhibition 'Life Goes On' will be held at GALLERY A8T (Sendai) on June 27, 2026.

A Sense of 'Creating' Rather Than 'Drawing'
I have loved drawing since childhood. I would sketch game characters, animals, insects, and dinosaurs, making my own illustrated reference books. Looking back, it wasn't about 'art' then, but an interest in observing and 'reproducing' subjects.

When I first encountered oil painting in high school, I felt it was the right fit. The slow drying time appealed to me—it felt like working with clay, allowing me to reshape it until I was satisfied. While I'm not skilled at the delicate expressions of watercolor, I feel that the boldness of oil painting suits me. It feels closer to 'sculpting' than 'drawing.'

Searching for His Own Expression at Art University
After three years of trial and error in university, I arrived at a paradoxical answer: 'valuing what is already there.' Returning to the 'tracing' and 'landscape painting' I had practiced since childhood, I realized those paths were essential to knowing myself. I went to graduate school to dig deeper into the potential I found during my undergraduate degree. Facing landscape painting expanded my horizons. In modern society, the sense of 'being alive' can feel thin. I challenge myself to reclaim that through my work. Spending time camping in the mountains strengthened my sense that 'living' is not separated from nature but part of its cycle. I strove to express this in my completion exhibition.