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Unique Art Exhibition: GABE6 - Drawing as Practice

Starting from September 4, 2026, the Starbucks Cafe & Art Gallery in Yanaka Goten-zaka will host an exciting collaborative exhibition titled GABE6 - Drawing as Practice. This exhibition marks the third installment in the gallery's series and is characterized by a partnership between Starbucks Coffee Japan, Tokyo University of the Arts, and The Chain Museum. The show features eight talented artists from the university's Oil Painting 6 lab, known for their innovative approaches to art.

Exploring 'Drawing as Practice'

The central theme of this exhibition, Drawing as Practice, goes beyond the traditional notion of drawing as simply placing marks on paper. Instead, it embraces a comprehensive perspective that includes the selection of materials, the construction of forms, and the continuous engagement with the world through observation and dialogue. Each artist’s individual journey in confronting their surroundings and creating art is encapsulated in their representation of drawing.

The key visual motif for the exhibition, Mölkky, a Finnish game, represents the artists' shared experiences in the studio and their interactions. The warm memories of gathering around the ultimate rice ball after a game spark conversations about the very fabric of their creative processes. Each unique artwork exhibited will trace the thoughts and practices involved in its formation.

Exhibition Details and Artists

The exhibition will coincide with the Geisai, Tokyo University of the Arts' annual festival, running from September 4 to September 6, which offers visitors an enriched understanding of the artists’ creations and their research efforts.

Participating artists include:
1. Akira Aiken
2. Ibuki Inoue
3. Kyō Kigitsu
4. Takumi Kokubo
5. Eiji Suzuki
6. Tenmei Nakamura
7. Kōsuke Nakamura
8. Mioka Matsuura

Their innovative works will invite viewers to explore the delicate dance between creation and practice, emphasizing that the act of drawing is also about the time spent reflecting on relationships, experiences, and transformations that occur along the way.

Opening Reception & Additional Events

An exclusive reception will take place on September 3, 2026, from 19:00 to 20:30, but only for invited guests. Additionally, during the exhibition period, various artist-led talks and walkthrough events will be conducted, allowing visitors to engage deeper with the artworks and the processes behind them. Stay tuned to the exhibition page and Instagram for announcements about these events.

Please note that the gallery will be closed on August 31, 2026, for exhibition setup. After its opening, admission is free, and guests can enjoy coffee while they appreciate the artworks on display.

Venue Information

Address: 3-2-5 Nishi Nippori, Arakawa, Tokyo 116-0013, Japan
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Access: A two-minute walk from the North Exit of Nippori Station, JR Yamanote Line

As the Starbucks Cafe & Art Gallery embraces the intersection of art and coffee culture, it strives to provide a unique space where daily life can intersect with refreshing artistic inspiration. Visitors are welcome to experience this vibrant artistic journey while savoring a cup of coffee.

Experience the transformative power of art through engaging discussions, insightful explorations, and the narrative interwoven into each piece at GABE6 - Drawing as Practice. We look forward to welcoming you there!

Conclusion

In collaboration with the artists of the Tokyo University of the Arts, the GABE6 exhibition exemplifies the fusion of creative practices within a community, emphasizing that every drawing embodies a moment of inquiry, observation, and dialogue with the world. Come join us in this celebration of artistic exploration and interactive sharing!