WHAT CAFE to Hold Exhibition “The Echoes of East Kyoto” to Radiate Energy of Kyoto Art Scene

WHAT CAFE, directed by the call from Onidaimyo, a curatorial unit, plans to exhibit approximately 100 art pieces by 50 artists active in Kyoto. The focus will be on emerging talents and will encompass both two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces. The exhibition will also include works by practicing artists who serve as educators. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the current state of Kyoto’s art scene firsthand, with a wide range of artworks on display.
In recent years, the momentum of young artists in Kyoto has continued to grow, showing no signs of slowing down. Recently graduated emerging artists are making waves one after another in the art scene, garnering attention. Behind the emergence of these up-and-coming artists lies the unique art ecosystem nurtured by the land of Kyoto. This ecosystem is characterized by the equivocal structured order among artists forged from gathering multiple art universities and the permeation of art into the city through “ARTISTS’ FAIR KYOTO” and other innovative initiatives, art hotels, and art cafes.
This exhibition, therefore, arises from the real connections among artists transcending generations and situations, and it represents an extraordinary opportunity to expand the resonance of the energy of art that permeates Kyoto in Tokyo on an unprecedented scale.

Title: “Higashi Kyoto Ten (The Echoes of East Kyoto)”
Exhibition dates: April 20th (Sat) – May 7th (Tue), 2024
Special cooperation: Onidaimyo (Kengo Kito, Daisuke Ohba, and Kohei Nawa)
Exhibiting artists: Kana Akamatsu, Shinya Azuma, Midori Arai, Miho Iida, Mika Ieda, Mitsuhiro Ikeda, Shinya Imanishi, Takuma Oue, Hal Osawa, Daisuke Ohba, Yoshiki Omote, Toru Kamiya, Mana Kawamura, Rei Kizumoto, Kengo Kito, Shun Kimura, Arisa Kumagai, Aya Kurashiki, Taro Komiya, Mika Shinagawa, Masaharu Shin, Kanako Shintaku, Keisuke Jimba, Tsukika Takado, Tomohiro Takahashi, Yoshihiro Takeuchi, Takuro Tamura, Noboru Tsubaki, Narumi Tsubakino, Naoki Tomita, Ayami Nagata, Kohei Nawa, Hayaki Nishigaki, Fumiya Hirota, Atsuki Fujimoto, Mitsuru Furuta, Yuzuho Matsuoka, Saki Matsumura, Koga Miura, Saya Mimura, Mai Miyake, Kenji Yanobe, Mio Yamato, Yukino Yamanaka, Shohei Yamamoto, Aiko Yuno, Hiroaki Yoshioka, Yuto Yonemura, R E M A, and Naosuke Wada
URL: https://cafe.warehouseofart.org/exhibition/what-cafe-exhibition-higashi-kyoto
Venue: WHAT CAFE (2-1-11 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0002)
Open hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Close at 5PM on the final day)
Entry fee: Free
* The schedule may change based on the impact of the infection.
* The exhibit may close during the dates above. Please see the WHAT CAFE website for the latest information.

The curatorial unit, Onidaimyo, comprises artists Kengo Kito, Daisuke Ohba, and Kohei Nawa. Their activities, led by the three individuals teaching at Kyoto University of the Arts, transcend boundaries between education and practice, academia and industry, and students and professionals. They are creating opportunities for nurturing the next generation and fostering active engagement. In addition, they engage in a wide range of initiatives, such as participating as advisors in ARTISTSʼ FAIR KYOTO and organizing exhibitions such as “Up” at GINZA TSUTAYA BOOKS. Among their notable projects are art direction for HOTEL ANTEROOM KYOTO, NAHA and SEOUL, as well as STARBUCKS COFFEE KYOTO BAL.

A space to exhibit and sell artworks by up-and coming artists in Japan. It boasts 800 square meters of luminous, expansive floor space. Works on display are constantly updated––a year-round flow of beauty and cool from the new pantheon of creative visual geniuses. This maximizes the opportunities for artists to be seen, be loved, and sell their work. We hold workshops, events, and meet-ups related to the exhibitions, so you can dive deep and meet like-minded art lovers. It’s a space to experience art with all five senses while enjoying a meal and drinks. Since August 2022, WHAT CAFE has been holding exhibitions based on the concept “ART IS…” It offers a space to reconsider and rediscover what art is to everyone who visits WHAT CAFE.
https://cafe.warehouseofart.org