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Art Brut 2025 Exhibition: "Welcome to the World of Autobiographical Bricolage"

Starting from September 27, 2025, the Tokyo Shibuya Park Street Gallery will host the Art Brut 2025 touring exhibition, titled "Welcome to the World of Autobiographical Bricolage", in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. This unique exhibition will take place across three venues: the first at Shibuya Park Street Gallery (September 27 - December 21, 2025), followed by Primo Hall Yutorogi in Hamura City (January 15 - January 25, 2026), and finally, at Itabashi Ward Narimasu Art Gallery (January 31 - February 9, 2026).

The term "Art Brut" was coined by French artist Jean Dubuffet, referring to artworks made by individuals who are not traditionally trained, emphasizing unique perspectives and creative expressions. This exhibition revolves around the theme of "bricolage", an improvisational method in creativity where everyday objects are repurposed to derive new meanings and forms.

The exhibition will showcase the imaginative works of six talented Japanese Art Brut artists, each presenting their distinctive approach to bricolage. These artists transform ordinary items into unexpected creations that reflect their life experiences and emotional landscapes. Visitors are invited to encounter their artistry, discovering both familiar and novel elements woven together in their forms of living.

Highlights of the Exhibition

1. Stunning Bricolage Art: Experience one-of-a-kind artworks made through innovative techniques, including portraits that resemble photographic art created with copy machines, paintings that utilize cut-out advertisements as paint, and gigantic sculptures made from used chopsticks. Each artist brings their unique vision to the art of bricolage.

2. Interactive Venue Design: The exhibition’s architectural elements, curated by tamari architects, aim to spark new encounters with objects and landscapes often overlooked in everyday life. Inspired by various urban fragments like sidewalk mirrors and ordinary street views, these display units invite visitors to rediscover familiar experiences anew.

3. Audio Guides and Events: A free audio guide narrated by actor Koji Seto will be available at all venues, sharing insights into the artists’ creative journeys and the charm of their works. Exciting events such as guided tours involving the social robot "OriHime" and tactile tours for visually impaired attendees will also be part of the programming, facilitating diverse experiences for all visitors. The Shibuya venue will host artist talks and live performances, providing opportunities for direct interaction with the exhibiting artists.

Featured Artists

• - Naoto Iguchi: Born in 1971 in Mie Prefecture, Iguchi creates dynamic portrait photographs using copy machines. His 22-year artistic practice evolved through collaborations with facility staff, resulting in a unique expressive style.
• - Eiko Shima: A self-taught artist born in 1943, Shima is known for her intricate collages made from cut-out advertisements of everyday items. She works late at night, weaving high-density compositions that reflect ordinary life.
• - Takashi Shuji: Born in 1974 in Hyogo Prefecture, Shuji (1974-2021) painted textures that evoke the beauty of everyday shapes through bold colors and forms, his pieces showcased in various exhibitions.
• - Hiraku Takeda: Born in 1988, Takeda transformed the mundane act of packing chopsticks into creative masterpieces up to two meters tall, highlighting environmental themes in his work.
• - Koji Tsurukawa: Tsurukawa, born in 1973, paints the page with deformed letters and numbers, creating images that conjure the quiet moments of daily life through ink stains.
• - Yuka Noda: Born in 1966, Noda crafts colorful sculptures from leftover threads and fabrics, giving life to her creations that express playful forms and energy.

Exhibition Details

Exhibition Name: Art Brut 2025: Welcome to the World of Autobiographical Bricolage
Venue and Dates:

• - Shibuya Park Street Gallery: September 27 - December 21, 2025
• - Primo Hall Yutorogi: January 15 - 25, 2026
• - Itabashi Narimasu Art Gallery: January 31 - February 9, 2026
• - Entry Fee: Free

Audio Guide: Koji Seto (Actor)
Organizer: Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Foundation for History and Culture

This exhibition promises to be a captivating exploration of creativity, inviting all to a world of unique artistic encounters. Mark your calendar and don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the transformative power of Art Brut!