Exploring the Interconnections of Life at Mona Sugata's Exhibition in Omotesando

Discovering Life's Interconnections: Mona Sugata's Exhibition

Mona Sugata will present her solo exhibition titled As Above, So Below at the Otherwise Gallery in Omotesando, Tokyo, from March 13 to April 18, 2026. This exhibition invites viewers to explore the intricate relationships between the micro and the macro through the lens of delicate fabric artworks. Sugata's pieces, inspired by traditional European techniques, evoke themes of nature through motifs of flowers, insects, and the sun, asking profound questions about our place in the world.

Artistry and Technique

Mona's creative process is rooted in the haute couture hot iron technique, a method that has been cherished in France for over 200 years. Instead of dictating the unpredictable nature of the fabric—such as dye bleeding or the formation of wrinkles—she embraces these uncertainties, fostering a dialogue with her materials. What emerges is not a fixed object but a dynamic 'state' that interacts with light, air, and time. This unique approach resonates with her previous experience as a jewelry sculptor at Tiffany & Co., where precision and meticulous craftsmanship were paramount. Although she has shifted from working with hard metals to soft fabrics, her commitment to detail and the relationship with her medium remains solid and unwavering.

Exploring Dualities

The exhibition title As Above, So Below reflects a philosophical viewpoint that suggests a mirroring relationship between the heavens and the earth, and the small and the vast. The insects and plants depicted in Sugata's works are meticulously crafted yet carry an essence of fragility and sway. By focusing on these tiny lives at our feet, viewers are encouraged to contemplate their own existence and the broader universe surrounding them. This exhibition seeks to express the subtle connection between the intimate natural world and the grand cosmos through the use of soft materials. Influenced by the thoughts of French philosopher Emmanuele Kocca, Sugata emphasizes the importance of perceiving humanity not as the center of existence but as part of a continuum that includes plants, other living beings, and our environment.

Experiencing the death of loved ones has imparted a unique tranquility and tension to her work. The sentiment that life continues in transformed forms rather than vanishing entirely underpins the spirit of this exhibition, subtly echoing through her creations.

Event Details

Exhibition: Mona Sugata Solo Exhibition: As Above, So Below
Dates: March 13 (Friday) - April 18 (Saturday), 2026
Opening Reception: March 13 (Friday), 18:00 - 20:00
Artist Attendance: March 13 (Friday), 14 (Saturday), 20 (Friday)
Location: Otherwise Gallery, 5-7-17 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3797-1507
Hours: 12:00 - 19:00 (Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays)
Exhibition Information: Otherwise Gallery Website

Artist's Vision

In Sugata's own words:
"As above, so below. The distant and the tangible, the cosmos and the tiny lives beneath our feet, illustrate that our world is not divided. The principles that exist high above infiltrate our daily lives, while the delicate existence of those closest to us dances in harmony with the structure of the universe. Through motifs like flowers, insects, and the sun, I aim to shape what exists 'in between.' This exhibition echoes the beauty found in the multitude of overlapping lives and activities in our shared existence. We cannot divide this world into separations of above and below, inside and outside, self and others. All life quietly mingles, forming a single landscape that emerges into existence."
(Mona Sugata)

About Mona Sugata

Born in Tokyo in 1983, Sugata holds a master’s degree from Tama Art University, specializing in painting and printmaking. Her accolades include the Grand Prix at SICF25 (2024) and exhibitions across major Tokyo venues, showcasing her symbolic expressions of life’s strength and beauty through fabric manipulation.

About Otherwise Gallery

Managed by Ash & Pierre France Co., Ltd., Otherwise Gallery is committed to exploring new value beyond conventional perspectives. The gallery, located in Omotesando, represents various emerging and established artists worldwide, fostering a rich and dynamic art environment.

For more information on Ash & Pierre France, visit:
Official Website | Instagram