Location: Nine Gallery (Gaienmae)
Due to the long closure of Bunkamura in Shibuya, my solo exhibition in Tokyo was moved to a new location. Even though I have more than 15 years of solo exhibition experience and have held more than 50 solo exhibitions in total, I still get nervous when I hold an exhibition at a new location. The location is very close to Gaienmae Station. Considering the distance from Shibuya Station to Bunkamura, it is very convenient that it is only a 3-minute walk from the station. Now, this NineGallery is wonderful in every way, not only for its location, but also for the fact that you can pin pins anywhere on the wall, there are two movable walls, and a large window with a view outside. I was reminded that meeting a wonderful gallery increases the power of an artist and enhances the appeal of their work.
Although it is only a 3-minute walk from Gaienmae Station, the gallery is located in a quiet residential area. I couldn't count on passersby, so I had to attract customers myself more than usual. The effect of advertising on Twitter several months ago and the customers who have been in contact with me until now beautifully colored my solo exhibition, which could be called a restart.
Despite my worries, I was blessed with many visitors from the first day of the exhibition. I think it was only after 4pm that I was able to take a break. Anyway, I was blessed with so many encounters and reunions, and although I couldn't say it was as good as the first day, I was able to spend a wonderful time almost continuously from June 13th to 18th.
Solo exhibitions have become my life's work. As I get older, my physical and mental strength is gradually declining. But I still muster all my strength and energy to hold solo exhibitions, driven by the pure desire to "meet everyone" and to "have people take a peek into the heart/mind of the person who creates the work." Because these are things that you will wear (or keep close to you) all the time, I want them to touch the heart of the person who created them. That feeling has hardly changed since I started holding solo exhibitions 15 years ago.
I will be returning to this place again in the winter of 2023. I am really looking forward to it. I will set a new theme, create works and displays that fit that theme, and portray what is in my head/heart in the space. Many customers will come to visit again. I think it is necessary to strengthen my stamina every day so that this happy series of events does not end. As someone who was bedridden for a week after my solo exhibition, I vow to do so.