#Japan #Tokyo #Gallery Butaiura #Yuka Mori #Tatsushi Fujiwara

Insightful Exchange at Gallery Butaiura

On June 26, 2026, The Chain Museum hosted a remarkable event at Gallery Butaiura, located within Azabudai Hills. This special dialogue featured historian Tatsushi Fujiwara, a professor at the Kyoto University Institute for Humanities, and artist Yuka Mori, whose exhibition titled "Untie the Gift" was concurrently showcased. This event provided a unique opportunity to explore the relationship between food and bodily experience through the lenses of art and history.

Fujiwara's extensive research and publications on the 20th-century history of food and agriculture greatly influenced Mori's artistic exploration of the act of eating, making their interaction particularly significant. Surrounded by Mori’s thought-provoking artworks that scrutinize bodily and culinary practices, the two engaged in discussions that delved into concepts of physicality and the act of eating.

Additionally, the gallery offered exclusive beverages and dishes created by Chef Romi Ogawa, inspired by the theme of apples, connecting the edible offerings to the exhibition's overarching narrative.

The Artists

Tatsushi Fujiwara

Born in 1976 in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Tatsushi Fujiwara has built an illustrious academic career. He received his PhD in Human and Environmental Studies and has received various prestigious awards for his works, including the 41st Suntory Academic Prize in 2019 for his research on Nazi Germany’s food policies. In 2026, he will be honored with the Inoue Yasushi Cultural Prize for his extensive research on food history and socio-economics.

Yuka Mori

Yuka Mori, born in 1991 in Shiga, is a Kyoto-based artist who explores themes of bodily existence and the connection between humans and plants. Her works often visualize a continuum of experiences where people, plants, and nature intertwine. Mori’s dedication to her craft has been recognized in multiple exhibitions and awards. Her proactive approach has made her a prominent figure in contemporary Japanese art.

The Exhibition: Untie the Gift

The exhibition featured new works that highlight the significance of the kitchen space at Gallery Butaiura, providing a setting that encourages visitors to contemplate the act of eating and its implications for the body. The exhibit ran from June 5 to July 5, 2026, drawing attention to the intersection of art and bodily experience, as scholars and art enthusiasts gathered to engage in this vital conversation.

The event successfully created a vibrant atmosphere, fostering discussion between the audience and the speakers, contributing to an enriching exploration of art, food, and human existence.

For those unable to attend in person, The Chain Museum has made the talk available on their official YouTube channel, allowing a broader audience to engage with the insights shared during this enlightening dialogue. The chain of connection between art, history, and bodily experience continues to resonate through the museum's ongoing programming.

Conclusion

Gallery Butaiura stands as a platform where art transcends mere observation, fostering meaningful dialogue and connection. Through events like this, The Chain Museum not only showcases inspiring art exhibitions but also bridges the gap between artists and historians, encouraging a deeper understanding of societal themes through an artistic lens.