#Japan #Tokyo #tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU #Honoka Hayashi #maruhiromi

Unveiling 'Masked Confessions' at tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU

From May 9 to May 18, 2025, the art gallery tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU welcomes the thought-provoking exhibition 'Masked Confessions' featuring the talented artists Honoka Hayashi and ◯hiromi. Curated by Yasumasa Yonehara, this exhibition delves deep into the psychological and symbolic nature of masks in our contemporary society, particularly in the era of social media, where visibility and evaluation have become the norm.

Honoka Hayashi’s Perspective

Honoka Hayashi’s artistic statement resonates with the themes of protection and rebellion. Honoka expresses, "Doesn’t anyone see?" highlighting how masks serve as a guardian for our true selves. By removing these facial coverings, we allow ourselves to look out into the world and safeguard our personal notions of 'cuteness,' which intertwine pain, impulses, and beauty, all tied together with ribbons.

"I propose a silent revolution in the space between 'cuteness' and 'struggle,'" she states. Her work draws upon the idea that Sirius, the brightest star seen from Earth, symbolizes the duality of our feelings and experiences—often spinning rapidly out of control in today’s information-saturated world.

Honoka's portfolio includes an academic background in multimedia from Doshisha Women’s University, complemented by several design programs. Transitioning from a toy and merchandise designer to a freelance artist, she has embarked on a journey of self-exploration through her artwork.

◯hiromi’s Interpretation

Conversely, ◯hiromi approaches the theme of masks from an introspective angle, revealing how they manifest within herself. Her journey has been marked by a tension between her childhood compliance and her adult awareness of social expectations. In her work, she reflects on the liberation found in darkness, where true emotions can emerge amidst anonymity.

She remarks, "The black figure asks me about my true feelings," emphasizing the necessity of touching and listening beyond visual assumptions. When enveloped in darkness, connections can be made that transcend mere words, allowing people to genuinely know one another.

Born in Hokkaido and heavily inspired by the wonders of nature and manga by Osamu Tezuka, ◯hiromi has cultivated her artistic themes around the motifs of 'black' and 'circle.' The color black flattens various experiences, while the circle symbolizes both correctness and inquiry. Her diverse body of work ranges from the 'Black Figure' series to the 'Plant' series.

Thematic Depth of the Exhibition

At the heart of 'Masked Confessions' lies an exploration of the role masks play as psychological defenses in inter-human relationships. In the context of today’s social media landscape, individuals inadvertently utilize masks to shield their inner selves from overwhelming scrutiny. These masks evolve beyond mere concealment; they serve as tools for self-construction and management, negotiating the delicate balance between the self one desires to project and the hidden self.

Yasumasa Yonehara attracts attention to how both artists navigate and visualize this multifaceted concept through their works. The use of masks symbolizes the societal pressures surrounding 'approval,' the gaze of others, and even the manipulation of self-image. In essence, this exhibition is a cultural commentary on identity formation, interpersonal distance, and a subtle resistance to hyper-visibility prevalent in modern discourse.

Exhibition Details

• - Venue: tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU
• - Duration: May 9 (Fri) – May 18 (Sun), 2025
• - Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
• - Open Hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

An opening reception will be held on May 9 from 6 PM to 8 PM, inviting all art enthusiasts to engage with the artworks and the artists in an intimate setting.

About tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU

tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU positions itself as an incubator for artists to sell their work while interacting directly with a vibrant social media landscape. The gallery focuses on talent rather than followers or exhibition history, driven solely by a passion for showcasing emerging artists. As described by Yonehara, the space represents a 'zero-to-one' launchpad, promoting a fresh take on the art market.

Join us at tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU and experience the compelling dialogues of identity, self-perception, and artistic expression enveloped in the enigmatic theme of masks.