Yusuke Ochiai's Exhibition at Otherwise Gallery: A Journey into Memory and Imagination

A Journey into Memory and Imagination: Yusuke Ochiai's Solo Exhibition

Yusuke Ochiai's highly anticipated exhibition, titled "I GOT YOUR POINT — From Traces of Memory to Paths of Imagination," will take place at Otherwise Gallery in Omotesando from June 20 to July 26, 2025. This marks a significant event for both the artist and the gallery, as it serves as Ochiai's first solo exhibition at this prominent venue.

Located along the antique street in Omotesando, Otherwise Gallery, operated by Asu-Pe-Paris Co., Ltd., plays host to a diverse range of artists and is committed to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking works. Ochiai's exhibition is set to explore and visualize the unconscious energy embedded in urban environments. His latest pieces revolve around the concept of 'POI (Path of Imagination),' which examines the relationship between people and spaces.

Drawing inspiration from his experiences in New York’s street art scene, Ochiai invites viewers to engage in a silent dialogue through his art. By delicately capturing non-verbal cues found in everyday life, he creates works that challenge the traditional boundaries of artistic expression. His pieces are not mere messages but rather serve as invitations for the audience to reconnect with their own memories and imagination, introducing a necessary 'space' for personal reflection.

Yusuke Ochiai’s signature character, POI, embodies this philosophy. Created through a fusion of Japanese spiritual culture and street art influences, POI evokes the comforting spirit of local guardian statues commonly seen in Japan. In his project “POI (Poieverywhere) – Imaginary Road,” Ochiai placed POI figures throughout the streets of New York, symbolizing the bond between different cultures while encouraging those who discovered them to take a POI home.

During the exhibition, a special social media campaign will take place. Visitors who share their experiences at the event on Instagram and tag @poieverywhere and @otherwise_gallery will receive a miniature version of POI, with only the first 100 participants eligible for this exclusive gift.

In his own words, Ochiai explained the essence of his artwork: “I study painting and three-dimensional work independently, and my creations stem from dialogues with my inner self and daily revelations. Each piece attempts to visualize the sacredness of life and the multiplicity of the world through the personification of gods and energies.”

Ochiai’s work has matured over the years, particularly during the 14 years spent in New York City, where the vibrant urban landscape and the raw energy of street art influenced his creative process. Layers of paint, textures, and forms reveal the passage of time and memory embedded in each work. His creative foundation draws upon influences from Studio Ghibli films, reincarnation philosophies, and traditional performing arts, continuing to enrich his artistic expression.

POI manifests as a gentle presence in urban corners, inviting individuals to discover, interact, and create small ripples of change in the city’s landscape. Rather than being just a character, POI is a guide to imagination, prompting viewers to explore deeper connections with their surroundings.

The exhibition will officially open with a reception on June 20, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Ochiai will be present on several days throughout the exhibition period, further enhancing the experience for attendees. Visitors can view his works at the Otherwise Gallery, located at 5-7-17 Minami Aoyama, B1F, Tokyo.

For more information, you can visit the official exhibition page at Otherwise Gallery. Connect with Yusuke Ochiai on Instagram here or check out his website poieverywhere.com.