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Toshihisa Tanaka: Daruma Expo 2025 "Dope"
i Gallery
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Toshihisa Tanaka
We are pleased to announce that i GALLERY OSAKA will host the solo exhibition “DARUMA EXPO 2025 ‘DOPE’” by TOSHIHISA TANAKA / Kotobuki Jirushi.
In April 2025, the Osaka Expo will finally open its doors. For this exhibition, TOSHIHISA TANAKA / Kotobuki Jirushi presents a new approach inspired by Daruma, a symbol of good luck, as an appropriate theme for the beginning of this historic year. The exhibition showcases his original perspective and sensibility.
Since ancient times, Daruma has been cherished as a symbol of “seven falls, eight rises,” representing the strength to overcome hardships and seize new hope. In this exhibition, while based on traditional Japanese papier-mâché crafts, “Kotobuki Jirushi Daruma” with ethnic costumes from around the world) and Daruma on a skateboard, merging with iconic motifs from Osaka, will be displayed. These Daruma represent hope for the future, carrying a light-hearted message as they skate. This is the trademark “Skateboard Daruma” by TOSHIHISA TANAKA, and these works breathe contemporary creativity into the traditional Daruma statue, offering a new cultural value.
Additionally, this exhibition adopts a slightly different display method than usual. Approximately 60 Daruma figures are placed at a lower position, creating a new relationship between the artworks and the viewers. This arrangement invites visitors to reflect on the “small happiness” and “hope at their feet” that are often overlooked in daily life. The artist's message is to encourage people to take a moment to reconsider these simple joys. By aligning with the same eye level as the Daruma, visitors will feel the humor and strength that these figures convey even more vividly. Enjoy the rich expressions and movements of the Daruma, a traditional symbol of good fortune.
This exhibition, offering a unique experience of the Osaka Expo through the eyes of TOSHIHISA TANAKA / Kotobuki Jirushi, will provide a special moment to color the beginning of the new year. We invite you to come and experience its charm directly at the venue.
In April 2025, the Osaka Expo will finally open its doors. For this exhibition, TOSHIHISA TANAKA / Kotobuki Jirushi presents a new approach inspired by Daruma, a symbol of good luck, as an appropriate theme for the beginning of this historic year. The exhibition showcases his original perspective and sensibility.
Since ancient times, Daruma has been cherished as a symbol of “seven falls, eight rises,” representing the strength to overcome hardships and seize new hope. In this exhibition, while based on traditional Japanese papier-mâché crafts, “Kotobuki Jirushi Daruma” with ethnic costumes from around the world) and Daruma on a skateboard, merging with iconic motifs from Osaka, will be displayed. These Daruma represent hope for the future, carrying a light-hearted message as they skate. This is the trademark “Skateboard Daruma” by TOSHIHISA TANAKA, and these works breathe contemporary creativity into the traditional Daruma statue, offering a new cultural value.
Additionally, this exhibition adopts a slightly different display method than usual. Approximately 60 Daruma figures are placed at a lower position, creating a new relationship between the artworks and the viewers. This arrangement invites visitors to reflect on the “small happiness” and “hope at their feet” that are often overlooked in daily life. The artist's message is to encourage people to take a moment to reconsider these simple joys. By aligning with the same eye level as the Daruma, visitors will feel the humor and strength that these figures convey even more vividly. Enjoy the rich expressions and movements of the Daruma, a traditional symbol of good fortune.
This exhibition, offering a unique experience of the Osaka Expo through the eyes of TOSHIHISA TANAKA / Kotobuki Jirushi, will provide a special moment to color the beginning of the new year. We invite you to come and experience its charm directly at the venue.
Schedule | Jan 18 (Sat) 2025-Feb 3 (Mon) 2025 Opening Hours Information
Opening Reception Jan 18 (Sat) 2025 17:00 - 20:00 | ||||
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| Fee | Free | ||||
| Website | https://www.igallery-osaka.com/en/toshihisatanaka-%E5%AF%BF%E5%8D%B0-i-gallery-osaka | ||||
| Venue | i Gallery https://www.igallery-osaka.com/ | ||||
| Location | 1F ACN Shinsaibashi Garden, 3-8-14 Minamisemba, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 542-0081 | ||||
| Access | 4 minute walk from exit 2 at Shinsaibashi Station on the Midosuji and Nagahori Tsurumi Ryokuchi subway lines. | ||||
| Phone | 06-4708-7065 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it |
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