Waku Waku II

Oct 20 2023 - Nov 9 2023

Bitfactory Gallery presents Waku Waku II a Solo Exhibition by Tadashi Hayakawa
October 20 – November 9, 2023

First Friday: November 3, 2023, 6 – 9 p.m.

In 2021, then 80-year-old Hayakawa presented a fresh body of work in the show Waku Waku (My Heart is Beating with Excitement) at Bitfactory Gallery. Two years later, defying a long-ago premonition of his own demise, he remains lively and continues to paint. Confident in the fact that this would be the case, Gallerist Bill Thomason had this second solo exhibition on the books before the first show opened. Waku Waku II opens October 20, 2023 at 851 Santa Fe Drive and will run through November 9th featuring Hayakawa’s dynamic abstract paintings that reflect his spirited personality. The public is invited to an Opening Receptionon Friday, October 20 from 6-9 pm, First Friday Art Walk on November 3, 6-9 pm and to visit during regular gallery hours, Tuesdays through Saturdays 11:30 am to 3 pm for the run of the show. Work can also be viewed and purchased online at www.bitfactory.net

Hayakawa’s deeply visceral abstract compositions come alive in a tumultuous uproar of movement and color, revealing the joy and excitement of his painting process within each brushstroke. To both the artist and the viewer each canvas brings out a sense of bliss, despite the vigorous nature of their creation. At 82 the artist continues to enjoy the process and loves talking to people about his life and work.

Tadashi Hayakawa was born in Tokyo, Japan and as a young child studied with prominent contemporary artist/teacher Toshiyuki Tonaka. He came to the USA in 1961 where he studied at Los Angeles City College, later receiving his MFA at Otis Art Institute. After becoming a U.S. Citizen in 1971 he made his living in commercial graphics until, at age 50, Hayakawa felt something missing in his life spiritually. So, he returned to fine art, dedicating himself completely to exploring the transcendent concepts of being human. Since then, Hayakawa has been in 28 solo exhibitions and group shows in the U.S.A, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and Thailand.Hayakawa has been creating art for over 70 years and is profoundly grateful to be an artist and mentor to other artists. Hayakawalives and works in Parker, Colorado where he facilitates (very affordable) artist workshops as a way to pay forward the good fortune and support he has received.

Bitfactory Gallery, located at 851 Santa Fe Drive in the heart of Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe, exhibits work by the best emerging and up-and-coming local, national, and international visual artists. It strives to showcase art that may not be a good fit for other galleries. Additionally, they host one major or renowned artist a year, bringing new and exciting work to Denver. The Bitfactorybuilding also houses Bitfactory Studios with the vision of providing a helpful, friendly atmosphere for artists to work solo or collaborate with others. As well as the Garage at Bitfactory. A pop-up space rented in 1, 3, and 7 day blocks. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., and by appointment. For additional information please contact Bill Thomason at [email protected] or (303) 862-9367 or visit www.bitfactory.net  The gallery has an extensive social media presence and can be found on FB, and IG @bitfactorygallery and on Twitter at @bitfactoryg.