#Japan #Tokyo #Manbo Key #Queer Culture #Under A Void

Unique Art Exhibition in the Heart of Ebisu

In an exciting cultural event, Manbo Key, a prominent photographer and artist from Taiwan, will present a special exhibition titled 'Under A Void' at the unique venue known as Ebisu's Underground Dining Street. Running from February 6 to February 23, 2026, this exhibition is part of the Ebisu Film Festival 2026's regional program, which celebrates the intersection of visual culture and contemporary art.

The exhibition sets out to explore the concepts of anonymity and polyvocality inherent in underground spaces. A prominent theme of the Ebisu Film Festival 2026 is 'Polyphonic Voices Bathed in Sunlight,' which resonates deeply with the foundation of Manbo's work, capturing the essence of diverse voices echoing within community frameworks. The exhibition will particularly highlight performances by drag queens from the queer community, showcasing their stories, solidarity, and mutual support through various artistic mediums.

Key figures featured include Nymphia, the champion of ‘RuPaul's Drag Race,' and Marian, who embodies drag culture in a critically acclaimed Taiwanese short film. These performers signify a rich cultural history and the evolving narrative of queer identities in Taiwan.

By locating this exhibition within the nostalgic streets lined with izakayas and snack bars—a vibrant homage to Japan's Showa-era nightlife—Manbo Key aims to craft a multi-layered sensory experience. Visitors will encounter an intimate setting where personal histories and communal memories converge, questioning conventional notions of identity and space.

Exhibition Title and Theme

The title 'Under A Void' carries a poignant reference to one of Manbo's acclaimed pieces, 'Avoid A Void,' which clinched the Taisin Art Award in 2021. Its Chinese name speaks to his first public presentation of queer collective imagery in an open space. The selected works reflect a nuanced connection to underground cultures and the fading beauty found in nostalgic entertainment venues, paralleled with the evolution of dining and recreational spaces.

Through visits and observations of these historic sites, Manbo expresses a sensation akin to witnessing memories frozen in specific moments, evoking the desire for gender equality and marital fairness once cherished in Taiwanese society. This space of gathering transforms individuals as they descend into the underground world, momentarily shedding their daylight identities to embrace their essence, unscripted and unadorned.

About Manbo Key

Based in Taipei, Manbo Key primarily engages with photography, video, music, and installations. His work often grapples with family memories and identity themes, initiated by uncovering old tapes filmed by his father. This exploration led to a trilogy including 'Father's Videotapes', 'Avoid A Void', and 'Diverse: Identity', delving into the threads tying personal history to broader social constructs.

He has garnered recognition for intertwining themes of transgender and marginalized identities within his narrative. Furthermore, he co-founded the HomoPleasure Collective in 2022, aiming to reconcile the interplay between art and party culture, signifying a critical juncture in contemporary Taiwanese identity discussions. Manbo's future plans include exhibitions across Denmark, Japan, and Barcelona, continuing to deepen dialogues surrounding Asian identities and the politics of the body.

Exhibition Details

Exhibition Title: Under A Void | 空隙之下
Dates: February 6 (Fri) to February 23 (Mon/Public Holiday), 2026
Location: Ebisu Underground Dining Street, Tokyo
Admission: Free
Host: Avex Creator Agency
Support: Art Brain Company
Event Hours: Open 24 hours, no holidays

Manbo Key’s 'Under A Void' promises not only an exploration of identity through the lens of art but a deeper engagement with the queer narratives that shape our understanding of culture in Taiwan. It is a unique opportunity to experience how art can cross boundaries and connect diverse communities within the heart of Tokyo's vibrant Ebisu district.