A press conference was held on April 9th ahead of the "Special Exhibition: Gaudi x Inoue Takehiko—Synchronized Sources of Creativity," a collaborative exhibition between architect Antoni Gaudi and manga artist Takehiko Inoue, which will tour Japan from July 12th as part of a special cultural project commemorating the 400th anniversary of Japan-Spain relations. The exhibition is divided into three sections, focusing on Gaudi's childhood, his work as an architect, and the Sagrada Familia. Approximately 100 valuable materials, including his own sketches and drawings, large-scale architectural models, and furniture, are on display. Inoue has created 40 works, including a large-scale piece, specifically for the exhibition, and will also be showcasing a masterpiece in which he paints "Gaudi's worldview" with a brush on the world's largest handmade Japanese paper. The exhibition will also feature a 3D video theater and projection mapping, bringing Inoue's drawings to life. Koji Hotta, director of Toei and representative of the organizers, explained the planning process, saying, "We were very interested to see what kind of chemistry would emerge from bringing together two people representing such different fields." Inoue was also appointed as the "Goodwill Ambassador for the 400th Anniversary of Japan-Spain Relations" in December last year. Professor Noritoshi Torii of Kanagawa University, who served as the Japanese academic supervisor for the exhibition, said, "There is an image of Gaudi that emerges from his photographs and works. Gaudi is an 'architect,' and there is no Gaudi without his architecture." Yusuke Mitsushima, an architect and official navigator for the exhibition, said, "For me, 'Slam Dunk' is truly my generation's bible. My role as navigator for this exhibition is like drawing a travel map, and I hope that it will inspire viewers to visit Spain." Also on this day, Inoue, who was staying in Spain, was connected via live broadcast and commented from a room with a full-length window overlooking the Sagrada Familia. "I'm taking my time touring places associated with Gaudi, such as the Alhambra and Park Güell," he said, citing Casa Mila and the unfinished Crypt of Colonia Güell as some of his favorite Gaudi works, adding, "I empathize with Gaudi because he didn't rush things." Inoue will be staying in Spain for a month, using a room in Casa Mila as his studio to create his works.


[Event Information]
Special Exhibition: Gaudi x Inoue Takehiko - Synchronized Sources of Creativity
Venue: Mori Arts Center Gallery
Address: 52F, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Dates: July 12th to September 7th
Admission Fee: Adults and University Students: 1,800 yen; Middle and High School Students: 1,300 yen; Children aged 4 to elementary school: 800 yen