“Joy of Life and Death”

Tadashi Hayakawa WillPowerI

In 2006, Tadashi Hayakawa had a premonition about when he would die. The timeline he foresaw has come and gone, and now, well into his 80’s, he continues to live an active life as an artist and mentor. Death has remained a thoughtful presence in his life—not something to fear, but something to understand and accept. A new exhibition of his paintings at Bitfactory Gallery — “Joy of Life and Death,” on view October 16 – November 14, 2026 — is born from that perspective: a celebration of life made richer by an acceptance of its impermanence. Alongside his own work, Hayakawa will feature a curated selection of paintings by emerging artist Vicki Christensen..

Hayakawa’s paintings bring movement and stillness into careful balance. His sweeping “sumi” brushstrokes move across the canvas with immediacy—at times forceful and assured, at others, dissolving into quieter, more delicate marks. Against them, expansive areas of negative space allow the compositions to breathe.

Tadashi Hayakawa Satoriii

Hayakawa believes there is a “life in the heaven” beyond this one waiting for him. In the meantime, his work is fueled by the joy of still being here, by gratitude for the life he has lived, and by the awareness that, in recent years, he has more than once defied death. Rather than treating life and death as opposing forces, Hayakawa allows them to occupy the same space. Motion exists beside silence. Color emerges from restraint. Forms arrive, change, and recede. The paintings in this show do not attempt to resolve these contrasts. Instead, they find serenity within them—an acceptance of impermanence, and a quiet celebration of the energy that remains while we are here.

As one of the artists Hayakawa has supported through his workshop practice, Christensen’s inclusion reflects both his commitment to mentorship and his recognition of her strength as a painter. Her work brings a distinct energy to the exhibition, expanding its meditation on presence, change, and emotional resonance.

Tadashi Hayakawa WillPowerII

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 was missing in his life spiritually. So, he returned to fine art, dedicating himself completely to exploring the transcendent concepts of being human. Since then, he has been in over 28 solo exhibitions and group shows in the U.S.A., Japan, Korea, Mexico, and Thailand. He has been creating art for over 70 years and is profoundly grateful to be an artist and mentor to other artists. Tadashi lives and works in Parker, Colorado, where he facilitates (very affordable) artist workshops to pay forward the good fortune and support he has received over the years.

Bitfactory Gallery is located at 851 Santa Fe Drive in the heart of Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe.