NY Group Exhibition “BREAKTHROUGH -New and Rising Japanese Artists-” Event Report

A group of skyscrapers that are so close to the sea that splashes of waves seem to arrive, and they penetrate the deep blue sky. A group exhibition by up-and-coming Japanese artists was held in May in sunny New York. For a total of 10 days for 2 sessions, I will report on what kind of content was there and what kind of reactions there were.

Event name: BREAKTHROUGH -New and Rising Japanese Artists-
Period: 1st session, 2024/5/8 (Wed) to 12 (Sun)
　　　Session 2, 2024/5/15 (Wed) — 19 (Sun)
Venue: One Art Space (official website:https://oneartspace.com/)

New York, the mecca of contemporary art

There are 1500 galleries and over 80 museums in the city, and artists from all over the world are aiming for this area. The setting for this group exhibition was Manhattan Island, which can be said to be synonymous with New York. The southernmost area is the Tribeca neighborhood. It is known as an upscale residential area where the wealthy live, and is touted as the safest district in New York City.

The New York art scene is constantly changing, and major galleries are moving one after another from the once exciting Chelsea district to the Tribeca district. With events related to the latest trends being held and luxury brands opening stores, Tribeca has become a city where you can experience “New York culture now” most realistically.

“It Has Begun” Group Exhibition

The theme of the group exhibition held at Tribeca was “BREAKTHROUGH -New and Rising Japanese Artists-.” Advance, breakthrough, breakthrough — a total of 38 selected Japanese artists with the catchphrase “If you don't start, you won't start,” the works were lined up.

[This article is also being read] →”VOLTA NY 2023 Event Report: On to the big stage of international art!”

1st period ~ 1st session

Many works reminiscent of Japan, such as ink and monotone, were lined up. I have the impression that people stay for a long time per person, such as people who like Japanese culture and “Zen,” and people who take time to carefully appreciate it. People with “circular” tattoos known for Zen calligraphy and painting on their shoulders visited us many times during the exhibition. It may be called a meeting that stuck in the heart of people who love Japan.

There were 2 artists who did live painting. Using naturally derived pigments and Echizen washi, etc., YUKIKO, who works on works that are rooted in Zen, drew “love,” “peace,” and “thank you,” respectively, on the three circles.
Hikaru, who is characterized by his style of mixing street art and abstract painting, took turns with guests in the middle of painting. Brushes were replaced, and visitors said, “Can I draw too!?” I enjoyed it. When Hikaru finally finished it, the work was purchased by one of the participants.

※ You can also watch live painting from the 1st period here
https://www.instagram.com/p/C6-_IRFPw8h/

2nd period ~ 2nd session

It was completely different from the first session, and it was an eye-catching event with colorful works and pop images. The atmosphere was so different that people who visited both sessions left comments saying, “It's completely different, isn't it?” There were also several visitors passing by, probably because the energetic atmosphere could be felt even from outside.

Two artists also performed live painting during this exhibition, and each attracted attention.
Calligrapher Fujibayashi Shuka performed an original performance combining calligraphy and Japanese dance. It was a scene where the brush fluttered while dancing, and the curves of calligraphy and Yanagishi overlapped.
Artist Misaki Nozakon showed “footprints painting,” in which footprints are applied to a large white cloth with feet stepping on paint. The background is the sound of waves and the scent of aromas. It was like watching a short movie.
※ You can also watch live painting from the 2nd period here
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7WKSicvIwM/

throughout both sessions

Just as two live painting sessions were set up, each reception party was held. Both were successful, and it seems that the impression that two different exhibitions were held was left. We also invited Kentaro Totsuka, a gallerist and art director living in New York, to receive reviews from each artist.

Some people came to the event aiming for individual artists. Slowly looking at the whole thing and immersing yourself in the work without being bothered, I think it's a way to spend time unique to group exhibitions, which is different from an art fair.
On the other hand, due to the gallery's location and the characteristics of being a roadside store, it was not uncommon for people to casually drop by the gallery. You can get there from 3 nearby stations, and if you walk for about 1 minute, you'll reach the main street. “What kind of meeting is this?” When I heard that it was a Japanese artist's work, I looked at profiles and took notes. Sometimes people come and go like a storm. It felt like “NY-like” people who are powerful and live freely. There are many artists and artists, and exciting encounters also occur.

I want to show off the power of Japan in New York, a sacred place where contemporary art gathers. With that in mind, artists who are pioneering the future gathered for this group exhibition. I think they were shown exactly as they were intended.
Our corporation will continue to actively hold solo and group exhibitions around the world, and we will “get started” together with excellent artists.
From “If you don't start, you won't start.”

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