Do you still remember the moment you looked at a tiny world through a magnifying glass or microscope? You're amazed to discover that what you see is only a small part of the world, and that a whole new world lies beyond. It's hard to believe, but there are things just as tiny as ourselves that are invisible to the naked eye.

Up-and-coming creator Akiyoshi Mishima's solo exhibition "Knothole" is on view at Gallery NANZUKA in Shibuya, Tokyo, until August 2nd.

After joining Hiro Sugiyama's Enlightenment, Mishima has been involved in a wide range of activities, including art direction for the fashion brand "FUGAHUM" and VJ work for renowned musicians such as Tei Towa and Shinichi Osawa. In recent years, his acclaim as a contemporary artist has also been growing year by year.

This is Mishima's third solo exhibition at the gallery, and features a total of nine works, including paintings, videos, and installations. These interactive pieces invite new discoveries. This mechanism is called "Knothole." A lens is installed in the knothole in the wall, peering into the interior, connecting the two. The space beyond the knothole displays four paintings and two objets d'art, and through the lens, some of the details of the works are magnified, creating a fresh impression. Mishima explains, "The term knothole generally conjures up a negative image, like 'not being able to see,' but conversely, in today's world where everything is visible, there are fewer information gaps. At times like these, what you need to think about isn't anything particularly special; it's how to fully accept what you see and feel every day. I believe that noticing something is an absolutely essential element in moving forward. That's why I chose the theme of "Knothole." Across the wall, in the next space, is the video work "Knothole." Mishima cut plants from his home, placed them on slides, and filmed what he saw. The work resembles tribal patterns, and the way they change in appearance is like a kaleidoscope. Looking more closely, one can see that each one is moving, revealing the existence of tiny living things. This reminds us once again that something that is common not only to plants but also to humans is that larger things move because of the actions of small things.

Next to the video work is the "Tamayorihime no Kami" installation. The images are created by layering insect wings, legs, and paint onto each individual slide. There is a small peephole at the top of the square pillar, and the delicate collage becomes visible when one looks closely.

Also, the impressive 120cm square painting "AZUCHI" displayed on the wall directly in front of the gallery entrance expresses the natural elements that Mishima sensed in transparent colors.

"I've been creating a lot of artwork in Germany recently, which has given me the opportunity to reexamine Japan. I've been focusing on Japan for the past two or three years, and thinking about it has made me realize that my own artwork also requires precise calculations and that there are things that I can't control very well. I previously had an exhibition in Germany, and it made me realize that it's important to notice what nature does for us," says Mishima.

When your perspective changes, the world looks different. This exhibition will bring you new realizations.


[Event Information]
Knothole
Location: Nanzuka
Address: Shibuya Ibis Building B1F, 2-17-3 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Time: 11:00 - 19:00
Closed: Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays
Free admission