Event period: 2023 November 7th (Tue) - November 12th (Sun)
Location: Nine Gallery (Gaienmae)
This was my second solo exhibition at Nine Gallery, having moved from Bunkamura in Shibuya. Once again, I felt the joy of being able to hold a solo exhibition in this wonderful space over the six days. Thank you very much to everyone who came.
In my previous solo exhibitions, I have hung a large B0-sized tapestry in the main window as an eye-catcher, but for this exhibition I have done away with that and instead created a neater layout that allows a clear view inside.
The display is the same as usual, but the space between each piece has been increased from 10 to 15 cm. By creating a little more space, each piece stands out more.
This table display was installed near the entrance. It was the first device to heighten the sense of immersion. It was a large book with many small rooms carved into it, creating an atmospheric display that evoked a laboratory or a reference room, and it served as a sort of prologue to the story that was about to begin.
The display of large books, which are usually piled high, was carelessly rolled onto the floor. Since the work itself is small, about 2cm high, it needed a mechanism that would provoke the image even from a distance and make people want to get closer, so this display has been used for solo exhibitions for the past 7 years. My works are like scenes from stories or picture books crystallized (in glass), so the large, thick books are an important element that amplify the image of the work.
Sometimes you meet people you want to meet, sometimes you don't. In this job, you inevitably experience the contrast between meeting and not seeing them for a long time (even if it's been years, I wouldn't call it farewell). "Looking back" is often used as a negative expression, but I think it's important to check whether they're following you. While running one step ahead/above your expectations, look back and check your footsteps. The important thing is to stay consistent and know yourself well. As long as you can do that, you'll get more new customers, and even people who haven't seen you for a while will suddenly come and visit you and ask, "How are you doing lately?" As a person who creates works with care, I always wish happiness for the works that are received, and I always wish happiness for the people who receive them. I hope we'll both be happy until we meet again. Well then.