
“Crossing Borders Through Art”
and
“Experts in the Rarity of Art”
We aim to expand the appeal of contemporary art through these two core roles
Our Mission: Bridging Contemporary Art with the World
At Galerie Sho+1 Office, we have spent over 40 years cultivating relationships and building a sales track record with internationally renowned and prestigious gallerists. Drawing upon our wealth of experience and deep expertise, we provide highly tailored consulting and advisory services in the field of contemporary art.
Whether you’re an established collector with discerning taste or someone new to the world of art looking to incorporate it into your life, we offer personalized and distinctive guidance with a strong foundation of professional knowledge.
Our Expertise Rooted in the Founder’s Journey
Our activities are grounded in the over 40 years of experience of our founder, Satake, who has been deeply engaged in the international art scene. He is particularly well-versed in rare and iconic works by Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat, and has spearheaded numerous collaboration projects with both Japanese and international contemporary photographers, including Helmut Newton.
This unparalleled expertise enables us to pursue a unique approach that stands apart from others in the field.
Message from Galerie Sho+1 Office Representative Sho Satake
My passion for art was sparked during my time studying abroad at the University of California, Berkeley and UCLA, where I had the privilege of learning from artists such as Joan Brown, Peter Voulkos, Chris Burden, and Charles Ray. I was deeply inspired by their modes of expression, which ultimately led to my desire to start a gallery.
In 1984, I opened Galerie Sho Contemporary Art in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, showcasing works by West Coast American artists I had encountered in California. Starting without any prior background in the art industry was a challenging endeavor, but one that set me on a transformative path.
A turning point came when I met Andy Warhol during his lifetime, which led me to specialize in rare Pop Art works. This specialization helped me establish a firm position in the art world and meet the demands of international collectors.
Among these experiences, I was particularly moved by Jean-Michel Basquiat’s distinctive artistic style. In the 1990s, I had the opportunity to handle the largest number of Basquiat’s works in Asia after his passing, through which I developed a keen eye for authenticity.
Today, while continuing to specialize in rare Western contemporary art and photography, I have also begun research into the works of Pablo Picasso and Edvard Munch. Our gallery now also handles exceptional pieces in the realm of modern art.