#Japan #Tokyo #The Chain Museum #Souya Handa #Deconstructive Decoration

Upcoming Exhibition: ‘Deconstructive Decoration’ by Souya Handa

An exciting new group exhibition titled ‘Deconstructive Decoration’ will be held at the unique art and dining gallery, Art ka Bifun ka Paichu in Roppongi, starting June 3, 2025. This exhibition, curated by the promising independent curator and artist Souya Handa, showcases artworks from six talented artists: Ayaka Endo, Takuto Kadokura, Sakaya Toda, Souya Handa himself, Namae Myoji, and Layla Yamamoto.

The exhibition will run until June 28, providing ample opportunity for art enthusiasts to experience the creative works. In addition to the exhibition, there will be a free reception open to everyone on June 3, from 7 PM to 9 PM, offering a chance to engage with the artists and the artworks.

The purpose of ‘Deconstructive Decoration’ is to examine the power of decoration—how it confronts prevailing norms and structures of authority. The featured works all incorporate floral motifs, creating a dialogue around aesthetics and societal commentary. Each artist contributes their unique perspective:

• - Layla Yamamoto: Delving into empowerment through anime representation.
• - Namae Myoji: Capturing flowers within the context of consumerism.
• - Ayaka Endo: Reflecting on the objectification of flowers via photography.
• - Takuto Kadokura: Liberating gendered interpretations of flowers.
• - Sakaya Toda: Highlighting the symbolism of resistance embodied in flowers.
• - Souya Handa: Observing the intersection of functional decoration and state power.

This exhibition builds upon the success of Handa's previous show, ‘(Don’t) Keep It’, which sparked conversations among art lovers in the community. As decoration often faces criticism for lacking functionality and being seen as mere visual excess, this exhibition challenges that narrative by positing that the very absence of function offers a unique, subversive enjoyment.

The exhibition statement reflects deeply on the historical disdain for decoration as non-functional, intertwining it with the messy complexities of fashion, identity, and societal roles. Decoration is not merely superfluous; it can provide resistance against strict categorizations of usefulness and yield a multiplicity of meanings that disrupt conventional values.

Souya Handa's more extensive reflections underscore this phenomenon, articulating the tension between aesthetics and the governed expectations within a market-driven society. By presenting these artworks, he expresses the delicate balance of questioning and redefining decorative norms.

Visitors are invited to engage with the exhibition, as well as enjoy the culinary offerings at Art ka Bifun ka Paichu, which aims to create an inviting space for art appreciation and interaction. As both an artistic venue and a dining experience, it serves as a vibrant example of how art can permeate everyday life.

Exhibition Information

• - Title: “Deconstructive Decoration” by Souya Handa
• - Venue: Art ka Bifun ka Paichu, 2F, 5-2-4 Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo
• - Exhibition Dates: June 3, 2025 - June 28, 2025
• - Reception: June 3, from 19:00 to 21:00
• - Contact: 03-6434-9367
• - Hours: 17:00 - 23:00 (Closed Sundays and Mondays)
• - Admission: Free

For those interested in the contemporary art scene, this exhibition presents a must-see opportunity to explore significant themes through the lens of innovative artists. The integrating relationship between art, identity, societal constructs, and the power dynamics of decoration will open avenues for thought and discussion.

Sources and Further Information:

• - ArtSticker
• - The Chain Museum Official Website

Take advantage of this engaging journey into the contemporary art world with ‘Deconstructive Decoration’ exploring the essential power of beautiful, yet subversive, decoration.