#Japan #Tokyo #Ayako Someya #Akiyo Niisato #KEYS&BRICKS

A Cosmic Artistic Encounter: Ayako Someya and Akiyo Niisato Exhibition

The atmospheric gallery at Courtyard HIROO in Hiroo, Tokyo, will host a remarkable duo exhibition titled "Ayako Someya + Akiyo Niisato: Galaxy of Resplendence" from July 26 to August 11, 2025. Led by Atom Co., this exhibition integrates the realms of traditional and contemporary mediums, featuring the exceptional works of two acclaimed artists: calligrapher Ayako Someya and potter Akiyo Niisato.

An Immersive Experience: Art and Flavor

The exhibition's theme, "Universe," invites attendees to embark on a sensory journey that melds visual artistry with culinary delight. In a unique opening reception on July 25, guests will indulge in exclusive original cocktails curated to complement the displayed artworks.

A special highlight of this exhibition is the collaboration around the original-label Japanese premium vodka "KEYS&BRICKS" designed by Someya, paired with distinct sake cups crafted by Niisato. This offering emphasizes the connection between sight, taste, and scent, giving visitors an unprecedented experience of the universe.

Perspectives Inspired by Nature and Existence

Both Someya and Niisato employ traditional techniques rooted in their cultural heritage, provoking deeper inquiries into universal themes relevant to society today. Someya translates the elemental characteristics of the atmosphere and minerals into chemical symbols with her calligraphy, while Niisato creates vessels that capture light's essence as both waves and particles. Their new works presented at this exhibit will showcase how each artist's unique style interacts under the cosmos theme, culminating in an enriching artistic dialogue.

The title of the exhibition pays homage to a passage from Kenji Miyazawa's poem, "Aomori Bansha," which invokes the image of a train traveling through a lens of hydrogen apples within the galaxy. Miyazawa’s influence, combined with the scientific ideas proposed by Albert Einstein, creates a layered narrative that connects traditional Japanese themes to expansive cosmic concepts.

The Vision of Contemporary Aesthetics

In his book, "Inquiry into Technology in China: On Techniques of Cosmic Art" (2016), philosopher Yuk Hui argues that a narrow view of Greek technology as the center of all techniques stunts diverse cultural overall perspectives and leads to disorientation. The synergy between Someya and Niisato reveals a mosaic of artistic interpretations of the universe, challenging conventional boundaries and prompting viewers to reconsider their understanding through this exhibit.

Exhibition Overview:

• - Title: Ayako Someya + Akiyo Niisato: Galaxy of Resplendence
• - Dates: July 26 - August 11, 2025
• - Opening Reception: July 25, 2025, 18:00 - 20:00
• - Hours: 12:00 - 19:00
• - Closed on Mondays (except the final holiday)
• - Exhibition Website

Special Collaboration: Vodka and Sake Cups

To commemorate this exhibition, a limited-edition set combining "KEYS&BRICKS" vodka and Niisato's sake cups will be available for purchase. The synergy of design and flavor hopes to create moments of joy for all who partake.

Artist Profiles

Akiyo Niisato

Born in 1977 in Chiba, Akiyo Niisato graduated from the Tajimi City Pottery Design Institute in 2001. Niisato sprang to prominence after winning a newcomer award at the Faenza International Ceramic Exhibition in Italy (2005). His groundbreaking work employs techniques that challenge aesthetic norms, exploring the boundaries between utility and abstraction.

Ayako Someya

Ayako Someya, born in 1981 in Tokyo, brings a fresh perspective to calligraphy by integrating the beauty of "bleeding" in letters. With her innovative approach, she is making waves in contemporary art, which was highlighted during the West Bund Art & Design fair in Shanghai (2021). Someya's works often confront societal issues and engage the viewer in deep reflection.

Venue Information

• - Venue: Courtyard HIROO
• - Location: 4-21-2 Nishiazabu, Minato, Tokyo
• - Phone: 03-6427-1185
• - Website:** Courtyard HIROO

As Japan transitions from economic growth to a focus on new forms of richness, this exhibition embodies a rejuvenated approach to art in a contemporary context, merging nature, culture, and the human experience in a captivating interplay that uplifts all who witness it.