About the Object

Like many of Sato’s works, this painting showcases the artist’s love for the environment of his native Hawaiian landscape. Taking inspiration from the ocean, Sato conveys an underwater scene that places the viewer below the surface. The ashy colors suggest the night or deep ocean, highlighting the starfish with subtle golden illuminations.

Additional Information

Sato’s early work focused on abstractions of New York City, especially the subway, which was a revelation to him. Once he began splitting his time between New York, Hawaii, and Japan, his art evolved to reflect these changing environments. In 1960, Sato settled in Honolulu, where he was a founding member of the “Metcalf Chateau,” a group of seven Asian American pioneers of modern art in Hawaii. The group shaped much of Hawaii’s modern art aesthetics, which are often associated with abstract expressionism.