2025.8.14
WHAT CAFE to Host “Seesaws” Exhibition: 19 Female Artists Questioning Nature and People Through Diverse Expressions, Starting September 11th (Thu)
Curated by guest curator Reiko Itabashi; featuring Kaoru Usukubo, Asami Kiyokawa, Kei Takemura, and more
WHAT CAFE, an art gallery cafe operated by Warehouse TERRADA, will host the exhibition "Seesaws" from September 11th (Thu) to September 23rd (Tue), 2025. The exhibition, curated by guest curator Reiko Itabashi, will feature 19 female artists, ranging from emerging talents to established figures. In a contemporary society where values fluctuate like a seesaw, this diverse collection of works will invite visitors to reflect on the sense of self. Additionally, interactive events with the exhibiting artists are planned during the exhibition. This exhibition is part of the related programming for TENNOZ ART WEEK 2025.
This exhibition, featuring 19 female artists, attempts to cast new light on the relationship between nature and humanity. It will showcase diverse artworks crafted from a variety of materials and techniques, including pieces that incorporate plants, and expressions utilizing fabric as a medium. Behind these works, one can observe the continuous processes connecting the natural cycle and human activity. Seeds sprout into plants, which nourish silkworms and sheep from which threads are spun, leading to the creation of textiles and garments through sewing. Reconsidering our relationship with nature is also an act of pondering the foundation of our own existence and facing the fundamental questions of how we live in contemporary society. The exhibition title “Seesaws” symbolizes the balance of values fluctuating like a seesaw, while also carrying the phonetic resonance of “She saw,” hinting at each artist’s unique perspective.
[Overview of the Exhibition]
Title: Seesaws
Exhibiting Artists (listed in no particular order): Anais-Karenin, Yui Usui, Kaoru Usukubo, Ayaka Endo, Azu Kimura, Asami Kiyokawa, Mariko Kobayashi, Ana Scripcariu-Ochiai, Hatsune Suzuki, Kei Takemura, Mami Hirano, Akari Fujise, Chisato Matsumoto, Mona Sugata, Sakura Momma, Moeco Yamazaki, Ai Yamada, YU SORA, and Yuri Iwamoto
Dates: September 11th (Thu) – September 23rd (Tue), 2025
Venue: WHAT CAFE (2-1-11, Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo)
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closing at 5 PM on the final day)
Admission: Free
URL: https://cafe.warehouseofart.org/exhibition/seesaws
* The exhibit may close during the dates above. Please see the WHAT CAFE website for the latest information.
Asami Kiyokawa "Our Story"
Kaoru Usukubo "My collage and his portfolio"
Kei Takemura "Danae"
Mariko Kobayashi "To the sky, To the sea"
Sakura Momma "SHISEI"
Ai Yamada "Shinkyo"
[About Guest Curator, Reiko Itabashi]
Photo by JOJI KURISU
Independent curator. Joined a Tokyo company with a vision of contributing to sustainable urban development that fosters culture and art.
Engaged in planning large-scale installations and art events as well as the launch of new cultural facilities. In 2023, served as Assistant Producer for the TOKYO NODE exhibition “Mika Ninagawa: Eternity in a Moment.”
As an independent practitioner, won the MEET YOUR ART “Next Curators Competition 2021.” Curated notable exhibitions such as “Mother Nature” which focused on the relationship between nature and the feminine at N&A ART SITE, led by N&A’s representative Fumio Nanjo, “Terroir,” a special exhibition of the T2 Collection, and “Promising Everyone” by ShiShi Yamazaki at WHAT CAFE “Emerging Directors & Curators U40,” etc. Also involved in talks and writings, including participation in [mé]’s talk events and more.
[Related Event "Gyoku-Ann"]
This “Gyoku-Ann” is a stone-polishing event led by artist Ai Yamada, whose practice involves installations with stones. The event is held monthly in Kyoto, and this marks its first time in Tokyo. It will provide an opportunity to engage in self-reflection by polishing, appreciating, and touching a stone in a quiet tearoom.
Dates and Time: September 13th (Sat) 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Instructor: Ai Yamada
Venue: WHAT CAFE and Warehouse TERRADA G Building
* Participants will be led to the event venue after meeting up at WHAT CAFE
Capacity: 5 persons per session (* Advance reservation required)
Target Audience: Junior high school age and above
Admission: 3,630 yen (Including tax)
Ticket Reservation: https://seesaws-event.peatix.com
[About WHAT CAFE]
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.
- For Inquiries about the exhibiting works / WHAT CAFE
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WHAT CAFE
E-MAIL : what_cafe@terrada.co.jp