Shiori Horie's Solo Exhibition 'Counting Myself II' to Open in 2026

Shiori Horie's Solo Exhibition 'Counting Myself II'

The highly anticipated solo exhibition of Shiori Horie, titled "Counting Myself II," will take place at √K Contemporary in Shinjuku, Tokyo, from September 12 to October 10, 2026. This exhibition marks Horie's return to the art scene after approximately three years, following her earlier successful show at Dai-ichi Life Gallery in January 2026.

Horie's latest exhibition will showcase a variety of her artistic expressions, including her renowned work "The Future Behind" and newly created smaller pieces. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view her early animal paintings and a series of drawings titled "Scabs," which she created during the pandemic. By tracing her artistic journey from the early works to the present, this exhibition provides a chance to experience the quiet strength and tenderness that permeate Horie's expressions.

The opening reception is scheduled for September 12 at 5 PM, providing guests with the opportunity to engage with Horie and fellow art enthusiasts. Horie's academic background includes a graduation from Tama Art University, specializing in Japanese painting. Soon after her first solo exhibition, she gained recognition as a promising young artist. Her early works are characterized by their bold compositions and the delicate textures she employs to depict animals, notably exemplified by her acclaimed piece featuring a Shoebill named "Rinnen," which became the cover art for Yoko Tawada's book "The Lantern Bearer."

In 2016, Horie spent a transformative year in Paris, a pivotal period that allowed her to delve deeper into understanding human subjects through her interactions with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. This experience shifted her focus to human portraiture. The characters she portrays are imbued with the same powerful gazes found in her early animal works while also incorporating nuances of melancholy and tenderness that reveal the various emotions present within humanity.

Her portraits have garnered significant acclaim, with her major work "The Future Behind" receiving the Honorable Mention award at the VOCA 2022 exhibition. Following that success, the piece was showcased at the Kanagawa Museum of Modern Art and the Okawa Museum of Art, allowing viewers to appreciate the evolution of her craft, especially with new additions unveiled in her recent solo show at the Dai-ichi Life Gallery.

In the upcoming exhibition, Horie will display a collection that combines her recent human portraits, early animal paintings, and still-life works that closely regard objects, flora, and other elements she has lived with, thus offering a glimpse into her perspective and inner world as it has evolved.

Don't miss the chance to witness Horie's artistic journey firsthand.

Additionally, Shiori Horie will also participate in the Tennoz Contemporary exhibition happening concurrently, so be sure to look out for that as well.