Artist Paints Sunrise Views From His Apartment on ‘The New York Times’ Each Day of Lockdown

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

The constant flow of information can be a little overwhelming to read day after day. However, one person has found a way to add a little bit of color to his newsfeed. Japanese artist and graphic designer Sho Shibuya uses the front page of The New York Times newspaper as a canvas for soothing gradient paintings.

The series, entitled Sunrises from a Small Window, was started as a way for Shibuya to document his life during the lockdown. As the name suggests, he uses the views from his New York apartment as inspiration for abstract interpretations of the sunrise. So, on top of headlines and news articles, the artist paints pleasing color palettes of deep cerulean blues, warm pinks, and sunny yellows. As a result, these beautiful compositions reflect a moment in time and an alternative way of looking at the news.

Shibuya is also the founder of Brooklyn-based design studio Placeholder, which creates brands, advertisements, and creative projects for a long list of clients, including Apple, Revlon, and New York City Ballet. Scroll down to see more gradient paintings by Shibuya, and keep up to date with the artist's latest creations by following him on Instagram.

Artist Sho Shibuya paints colorful gradients on the front page of The New York Times newspaper.

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

The series, entitled Sunrises from a Small Window, uses the newspaper as the canvas for abstract paintings.

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

On top of headlines and news articles, Shibuya paints pleasing color palettes that reflect the view from his apartment window.

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Abstract Paintings by Sho Shibuya

Sho Shibuya: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Sho Shibuya.

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Margherita Cole

Margherita Cole is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and illustrator based in Southern California. She holds a BA in Art History with a minor in Studio Art from Wofford College, and an MA in Illustration: Authorial Practice from Falmouth University in the UK. She wrote and illustrated an instructional art book about how to draw cartoons titled 'Cartooning Made Easy: Circle, Triangle, Square' that was published by Walter Foster in 2022.
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