ART | Kazutetsu Narita's Paper Cutting Exhibition 'Ginza's Bar' Held at Sunmotoyama
ART│Masterpieces by a Paper-Cutting Artist Who Cherished Bars, Exhibited at Sun Motoyama
Ittetsu Narita Paper-Cutting Exhibition: 'Ginza's Bars' Held at Sun Motoyama
This is an exhibition of original paper-cutting artworks depicting the world of bars, a lifelong passion of the paper-cutting artist Ittetsu Narita. The exhibition, titled 'Ginza's Bars,' will be held from June 7 (Saturday) to 15 (Sunday) at Sun Motoyama's Art Library in Ginza, Chuo-ku.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Capturing the Ambiance of Bars with White and Black, Light and Shadow
Ittetsu Narita, a paper-cutting artist and renowned bar critic, was born in Kobe in 1949. After a career as a civil servant, he became an independent paper-cutting artist at the age of 38 and dedicated his life to this art form until his death in 2012 at the age of 63.
Narita's innovative angles and intricate paper cuttings were serialized in newspapers and magazines, gaining considerable popularity. Among his works, those depicting the world of bars, a subject he deeply loved and pursued as his life's work, are particularly notable. These pieces masterfully capture the modern atmosphere of bars through the interplay of white and black, light and shadow, with many works focusing on Ginza's bars.
Sun Motoyama, an import select shop, relocated its Ginza flagship store in March. They established the 'Art Library' as a space for encountering people, discovering objects, and learning through art. Sun Motoyama, having had a presence in Ginza for many years, is now hosting an exhibition by Narita, an artist who knew Ginza's bars intimately.
The venue will feature approximately 40 works from Narita's series 'Ginza's Bars.' The exhibition includes pieces depicting famous Ginza establishments and legendary bartenders, such as 'Mori Bar,' 'Cool,' and 'Bar Tender,' presented as if capturing scenes from a film. Additionally, the exhibition will offer for sale glasses from 'Kimura Glass Co.' perfect for pouring drinks, and speakers from 'Blanco' ideal for enjoying jazz, an essential element in any bar.
One can almost hear the rhythmic shake of cocktail shakers, smell the rich aroma of whiskey and cocktails, feel the hospitable atmosphere, and sense the conversations between bartenders and patrons. Through his paper cuttings, born from a deep understanding of bars, Narita invites us to savor the sophisticated world unique to Ginza.
Ittetsu Narita Paper-Cutting Exhibition: 'Ginza's Bars'
Dates: June 7 (Saturday) - 15 (Sunday)
Hours: 11:00 - 19:00 (Sundays and holidays until 18:00)
Venue: Sun Motoyama Ginza Main Store
6-6-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Ginza Gekko Bldg. 4F, 'Art Library'
Tel. 03-3573-0003