Exploring Art and Spirituality at Shinichi Wakasa's Exhibition 'Super Lucky Cats'

On April 19, 2025, YUGEN Gallery FUKUOKA hosted Shinichi Wakasa's solo exhibition 'Super Lucky Cats', which featured a special event titled 'Forms of Wishes, Roots of Thoughts'. This event was part of the MONTHLY WAKASA series, regularly held at the artist's studio and designed to foster dialogue and engagement among art enthusiasts. The exhibition attracted a diverse group of attendees who immersed themselves in stimulating artistic exchanges, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

In an era marked by chaos and uncertainty, this edition of MONTHLY WAKASA served as a platform to explore ideas around survival amidst disorder. It featured a dialogue between Shinichi Wakasa and Mariko Inokuma, the director of OMOYA Co., Ltd. The discussion focused on the theme of 'Forms of Wishes, Roots of Thoughts' and sought to uncover insights that might help individuals navigate today's complex world.

Wakasa shared his reflections on the symbolic nature of the Maneki Neko (beckoning cat), a representation of prayer and wishes in Japanese culture, while also addressing the tension between Japanese sensibilities and Western artistic values. Through the lens of art, he articulated the significance of prayer and creativity as we traverse chaotic times.

Conversely, Inokuma, as a business leader committed to supporting women’s careers, delved into how deep wishes and prayers can influence both society and individual lives. Their dialogue interwove the realms of art and the personal journeys of self-realization, enriching the conversation with depth and relevance.

Following their dialogue, attendees were encouraged to freely share their thoughts on the artworks and the underlying inquiries embedded within, creating a space for meaningful exchanges. This interaction allowed participants to deepen their understanding and appreciation, and highlighted the diversity of perspectives surrounding art.

This exhibition attempted to visualize the concept of 'wishes' and 'prayers', drawing connections through time—past, present, and future. It provided an unparalleled opportunity to engage with Wakasa’s work and listen to his reflections, emphasizing how he continues to elevate concepts of prayer and desire through art. The eerie mix of order and chaos embodied in the Maneki Neko left viewers pondering what deeper insights Wakasa’s creations might reveal.

As we contemplate the direction of Shinichi Wakasa's artistry, this event has left us with a profound sense of anticipation for what is to come—after all, the discussions sparked at MONTHLY WAKASA tease tantalizing possibilities ahead.

About the Artist Shinichi Wakasa

Shinichi Wakasa, born in Hiroshima Prefecture in 1982, graduated from Hiroshima City University's Faculty of Art in 2008, majoring in Nihon-ga (Japanese painting). He completed his master's degree in 2010 and pursued his doctoral studies until 2013. His graduation project was notably acquired by the university, affirming his talent early in his career. Wakasa gained further recognition by winning the semi-grand prize at the Monthly Art's Newcomer Award shortly after graduating.

Wakasa has showcased his work both domestically and internationally while collaborating with various art institutions and brands, including the traditional crafts of Chō Sōchō and the New York fashion brand sawa takai. His notable projects encompass large-scale murals at the Yokohama Station Asobiru in 2019 and Hiroshima's Orizuru Tower in 2022. His works are part of collections in notable institutions such as Tochigi Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts and Enkaku-ji Temple.

Previous and Upcoming Exhibitions

Wakasa's exhibition history includes numerous solo shows across notable cities:

- Wakasa Shinichi Exhibition in 2020 at Fukuyama’s Tenmaya and Okayama
- Wakasaland in Kyoto in 2021
- Group exhibitions like The Future of Nihonga in Tochigi in 2022 and Nagi in Tokyo in 2023.

About YUGEN Gallery

Established in February 2022, YUGEN Gallery has emerged as a key player in the promotion of contemporary Japanese art. With locations in both Aoyama, Tokyo, and Tenjin, Fukuoka, the gallery aims to increase awareness of the unique aesthetic qualities of Japanese art, conveyed through the concept of Yugen. YUGEN Gallery emphasizes showcasing innovative contemporary artists while offering an online platform that allows global art lovers to access and purchase works directly.

To discover more about Wakasa's works, you can visit the gallery's official website.

This fascinating interplay between art, culture, and personal expression at the 'Super Lucky Cats' exhibition not only invites viewers to reflect on their own desires and aspirations but underscores the enduring power of creativity in our lives.