Location: Art Gallery Kitano 1F
I arrived at Kyoto Station on March 20th. The first impression I got when I arrived at the station was "There are a lot of people." I had become accustomed to "Kyoto with few people" due to COVID-19, so I was a little surprised and happy at the same time. The area around the gallery is very close to Sanjo Station and along Sanjo Street, making it a prime location. A year ago, I noticed a few vacant stores here and there, but I wondered what it would be like a year from now, so I took a walk around the area. The vacant stores stand out in contrast to the large number of people, such as tourists. Yes, the vacant stores are still there, or maybe they are increasing. I think that once travel restrictions are lifted and Kyoto returns to the way it was before, the wounds will heal, or rather, I think it should be like that. I started my solo exhibition in Kyoto with somewhat complicated feelings.
As mentioned above, there are a lot of people, but I was worried about whether they would actually come to my exhibition, but it seems that I didn't need to worry. International and domestic travelers, as well as locals who were just wandering around the city, were interested and came in. In the case of my art, the pieces are very small, so it is quite difficult to catch passersby and invite them into the gallery. This has been and will continue to be an eternal theme, but I feel like I am seeing a little light at the end of the tunnel.
Nowadays, the coronavirus pandemic is calming down and everyone is regaining their energy. I think that the past three years have been a period in which many people, including myself, have questioned themselves. In a time when we have been dominated by powerful words such as restrictions on movement and non-essential and non-urgent, and a mood in which we have only consumed the basics of food, clothing and shelter, I think there is no doubt that the role of art and the joy of fashion have faded. Healing, excitement and glamour are absolutely necessary in people's lives.
This year, I scheduled two solo exhibitions in Kyoto...it was a good decision. In September, six months from now, I will be able to see Kyoto fully restored to its former glory. I'm also thinking of new ways to present my work, so I think I'll be able to show them off. I hope everyone looks forward to it, and more than anything, I'm looking forward to it myself.
Thank you to everyone who came to my Kyoto solo exhibition Spring 2023. See you again in the fall.