“Nobuo Anzai: Still Lifes & Folktales” depicts scenes from the artist’s life in South America and the United States. (photo courtesy of JFLA)

The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles presents “Nobuo Anzai: Still Lifes & Folktales” running through Tuesday, Aug. 31 in the foundation’s gallery.

Anzai’s paintings represent heartfelt memories of countries he calls home – Brazil, Colombia, Spain and Japan – where he has been a migrant worker, farmer, chef and artist. Born in Fukushima, Japan, the artist emigrated to Brazil at age 23 to serve two years in agricultural farming as part of a contract between the Japanese and Brazilian governments. He later trained to become a sushi chef and opened his first shop in São Paulo. A natural and adventurous journeyman at heart, Anzai spent the next four decades migrating to Colombia and Spain, and eventually settled in Los Angeles.

“The energy that wells up from my heart is what my art is all about … the time of day, the place I’m standing at and the encounter with nature and people of the land,” Anzai said.

Japan Foundation, Los Angeles is located at 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 100. Admission is free. For information, visit jflalc.org.