[Case Study] Eiko Hanamura's work “I want to decorate everything!” From art fair to first solo exhibition in Paris

Her first solo exhibition in Paris was realized after exhibiting at “Art Shopping Paris Fall 2023” held in 2023/10.”Atelier Eiko Co., Ltd.”. Atelier Eiko Co., Ltd. is a content holder that continues to disseminate works by the late Eiko Hanamura, a pioneer of girls' comics, both domestically and internationally as works of art. What kind of efforts and hardships were behind the success of holding a solo exhibition over 10 days? And what are the differences between France and Japan that you learned there? We spoke with Minori Kawai, the company's representative.

First step to success: go to the Paris Art Fair

The reason Atelier Eiko Co., Ltd. decided to exhibit at the art fair “Art Shopping Paris” held in Paris every October was to continue presenting her works as “art” in France.
“While my teacher was still alive, I had the opportunity to present my work as an 'art' rather than a 'comic' as a member of the French National Art Association. “At the time, it was rated as “beyond comics,” so when I wanted to get that kind of opportunity again, I learned about this art fair,” says Kawai.

[This is also being read]Fall of art! The city of art! Report on the “Art Shopping Paris 2023 [Fall Session]” held in Paris

Invitation activities leading to solo exhibitions

At the booth located near the entrance of the art fair venue, cute works that transcend the ages were exhibited in a variety of sizes, and “Hanamura World,” which felt even advanced, unfolded.
In addition to the appeal of such works and how to present them, an important trigger for holding a solo exhibition was the advance invitation activity.
“I was introduced to a gallery dealing with manga-related works by a publisher I have a relationship with for the French version of the comic “The Girl in the Fog,” so I invited the person in charge to Vernisage* so they could take a look at the exhibition.”

* Opening party on the first day of the exhibition

“Great, I want to decorate everything!”

It is said that the person in charge of the gallery who visited the exhibition booth made a quick decision, “Let's do a solo exhibition.”
“At first, we were talking about a joint exhibition that could be done right away. However, when he actually saw the work, he said, “It's amazing, so I want to do a solo exhibition so that I can display all of them, not just a part,” and this one too said, “By all means.” The conversation was decided right away”
Kawai recalls that the gallerists' straightforward passion for what they thought was good and the sense of speed not found in Japan was fresh.

Overcoming hardships, first solo exhibition in Paris

Finally, in February of the following year, the “Hanamura Eiko Solo Exhibition” was held over 10 days at a gallery in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. It seems that there were unexpected hardships during the preparation period of less than 4 months.
“The person in charge of the publishing company who introduced it, was so busy that the conversation didn't progress easily. In the end, we settled everything from the exhibited works to various rights agreements directly with the person in charge of the gallery, but we just didn't have time.”
In particular, France had a poor perception of copyright compared to Japan, and it seems that it was difficult to correct the gap in that point.

The common language is “respect for the work”

On the day before the solo exhibition, Kawai made his own exhibition adjustments together with the gallerist.
“The gallerists directly conveyed their opinions, and I also felt respect for the work, so it was rather easy to do. We were able to make adjustments while exchanging opinions, and it was a great time.”
Even though they were confused and difficult about their first time, they overcame it and successfully welcomed Vernissage along with visitors such as gallery customers and influencers.

Atelier Eiko Co., Ltd. is planning various developments in France in the future.
Japan Promotion will continue to provide a place that will be the first step in fulfilling overseas expansion.
If you are interested in overseas expansion, please feel free to contact us.

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