Ryūhei Shibata, "Erased Title" (detail), 2015. Color gel pen, resin, acrylic on canvas, 112.2 × 145.
LOUNGE /
ART
December 19, 2024
A contemporary art exhibition showcasing works by artists with disabilities alongside contemporary art creators.
ART | "Exploring II - Fragments of Art Breathing in Daily Life" by Art to Live
A contemporary art exhibition, "Exploring II - Fragments of Art Breathing in Daily Life," will be held from Thursday, January 23 to Monday, January 27, 2025, at Spiral Garden in Aoyama, Tokyo. The exhibition comprehensively introduces excellent works by artists with disabilities alongside contemporary art creators. Works by 14 artists will be displayed side-by-side, irrespective of their backgrounds or circumstances, prompting questions about the roots of human creative activity.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Questioning the Roots of Human Expression Beyond Disability
Contemporary art works created by artists with disabilities are gaining significant attention in recent years. Major museums overseas are already beginning to collect their works.
Yuki Kamido bashi, "Untitled," 2021, Pen on paper, 39.4 × 54.5 cm, Courtesy of Atelier Yamanami
Takashi Masutsugi, "Flowers in a Vase with Loquats and Grapes," 2010, Pastel on watercolor paper, 79 × 54.7 cm, Courtesy of Suzukake Art Club & Atelier Suzukake
"Art to Live" began in June 2024 as part of Osaka Prefecture's "Project for Promoting Contemporary Art by Artists with Disabilities for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo." "Exploring II - Fragments of Art Breathing in Daily Life" is being held as part of this initiative.
Kazuaki Sogi, "Whale Shark-saurus," 2019, Colored paper, 25.7 × 37.2 cm, Courtesy of Nanairo Circus Troupe
Fumiho Tachibana, "From 'Typeface'," 2018, Ink on paper, 54.5 × 81 cm
Sawako Yamazawa, "Unbending #2," 2023, Acrylic paint on paper, acrylic board, scrap wood from a demolished house, 31.3 × 22.6 cm
The venue showcases works by 14 artists, organized around four keywords: "Beloved Things," "Craftsmanship," "Routine," and "Beyond Letters," to introduce the contemporary art of artists with disabilities in Japan.
Chikara Niri, "Untitled," circa 2022, Thread, approx. 5 × 5 × 5 cm (each), Courtesy of Lumbini Art Museum
Yasuhiro Hirata, "Corn," 2011, Colored nails, acrylic on paper tube, φ9.3 × 43.3 cm, Courtesy of Atelier Hiko
Yoshiyasu Hirano, "Untitled," 2015, Color gel pen on paper, 54.5 × 77cm, Courtesy of Yellow
Contemporary artists confront complex societal issues, presenting new perspectives and questions through their work. Similarly, artists with disabilities communicate with us through their unique expressions, condensing the joys and sorrows of their daily lives.
Yuki Fujioka, "Untitled," 2006-2009, Crayon on paper, cutting with scissors, 5.3 × 6.9 cm, Courtesy of Yukiko Koide Presents
By focusing on the sensations that resonate in our daily lives, the seemingly ordinary craftsmanship, repetitive actions, and subtle nuances, we can gain deeper understanding and empathy. This exhibition promises to be a space for exploring the essence of art's power.
Kunizo Matsumoto, "Untitled," 2020, Ink on calendar, 27 × 20 cm, Courtesy of Atelier Hiko & Yukiko Koide Presents
Eri Morimoto, "contour map# sandy beach (dry)," 2023, Acrylic on cotton cloth covered panel, 41 × 41cm, Photo: Kiyotoshi Takashima, Courtesy of Gallery Yamaki Fine Art
Additionally, on Sunday, January 26th, during the exhibition period, a "Let's Chat! Dialogue-Based Viewing Program" will be held.
This is an opportunity to reconsider the meaning and value of human expression, and its roots, beyond the presence or absence of disability.
"Exploring II - Fragments of Art Breathing in Daily Life" Dates: Thursday, January 23 - Monday, January 27, 2025 Hours: 11:00 - 19:00 (Open from 13:00 on the first day, closes at 18:00 on the last day) Venue: Spiral Garden Address: 5-6-23 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo Admission: Free Featured Artists: Yuki Kamido bashi, Takanobu Kobayashi, Ryuhei Shibata, Takashi Masutsugi, Kazuaki Sogi, Fumiho Tachibana, Sawako Yamazawa, Chikara Niri, Yasuhiro Hirata, Yoshiyasu Hirano, Naoyo Fukuda, Yuki Fujioka, Kunizo Matsumoto, Eri Morimoto
"Let's Chat! Dialogue-Based Viewing Program" Date & Time: Sunday, January 26, 2025, 10:00 - 11:15 Capacity: 16 people (Advance reservation required, first-come, first-served) How to Apply: Via the application form https://forms.gle/nQsrETRpUxbG972R6
