Event period: 2025 April 9 (Wed) - April 14 (Mon)
Location: Art Gallery Kitano 1F
My first solo exhibition of 2025 will be in Kyoto. Normally it is held in March, but this year it will be held in April due to customers telling me they are busy at the end of the fiscal year and the fact that it coincides with the cherry blossom season in Kyoto. However, the cherry blossom season was delayed, and the best time to see them was the first or second week of April, so as I had feared, Kyoto would be overflowing with tourists coming to see the cherry blossoms. Although it was unexpected, I took the opportunity to enjoy Kyoto with its cherry blossoms in full bloom.
In recent solo exhibitions, I have created displays that evoke the image of laboratories and archaeologists' study rooms. Although I was able to interest passersby, I was again lacking in ideas to encourage them to enter the gallery. I tried putting POPs directly on the windows, but it didn't have the desired effect. I would like to continue experimenting to find the answer.
Last time, the large book-shaped display was laid flat. This time, it was propped up so that passersby could easily see it. However, the work is only about 2cm high, so it can only be seen if you get close and peer at it. I once again felt that it was necessary to have an eye-catcher that would catch the eye from afar and draw the attention of the viewer even if they were unconscious.
Book-shaped frames were set up at equal intervals on the walls of the venue. People who saw them for the first time were amazed to see that all the books were handmade.
Rings were mainly displayed on a table in the middle of the venue. The volume of the pieces and the way they were displayed had to be reconsidered from scratch.
The archive (past works) zone was set up at the back of the venue. We set the prices at reasonable prices. Although there were many requests to sell the natural history style cards, we decided not to sell them this time.
Through various trial and error, this is my seventh solo exhibition at Art Gallery Kitano. The mindset of passersby changes from time to time, and so do the reactions on social media. I don't really want to link it to anything, but I'm easily influenced by the sense of stagnation in society and the poor economy. If you're struggling financially, you can't afford to spend on art, and if you're worried about the future, you'll probably save money. However, I think art is necessary especially in times of stagnation, because it encourages and heals the present and future. This solo exhibition made me strongly feel that I must continue to work hard so that my work can be an encouragement and healing for everyone.
I would like to thank everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to come and see me. I hope that my exhibition and works will give you courage and healing, even if only a little.
My next solo exhibition in Kyoto will be in September. I will be thoroughly prepared. See you again soon.