Exploring Transformation Through Art: The Journey of Two Artists in Roppongi

From March 14 to April 10, 2026, KOTARO NUKAGA in Roppongi will host a joint exhibition titled "Becoming by Making" featuring the works of artists Yuuji Kawai and Alexa Kumiko Hatanaka. This fascinating showcase invites audiences to delve into the transformative journey of both artists, who use clay and washi (Japanese paper) as mediums of expression.

Journey of Two Artists

Yuuji Kawai approaches clay with a vibrant and dynamic sensibility, exploring its plasticity and the uncertainties that come with firing. His works are lively blends of colors and shapes that reflect a complex relationship with pop culture—a relationship that intertwines admiration and discomfort. This duality manifests in his pieces, creating a sense of sugary sweetness combined with unsettling qualities, capturing the viewer's attention. His art has been recognized internationally, with works displayed at esteemed institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Crafts Museum.

On the other hand, Alexa Kumiko Hatanaka, a Japanese-Canadian artist, treats washi as a "second skin," employing techniques such as dyeing, printing, and stitching to transcribe bodily experiences onto her creations. Her works resonate with themes of connection and vulnerability, addressing social issues and personal experiences, including mental health and climate change. With exhibitions at prestigious venues like the British Museum and the Canadian Museum of History, Hatanaka is rapidly gaining recognition in the art world.

The Exhibit Themes

The exhibition's title, "Becoming by Making," hints at the dual notions of arrival and departure. It signifies not only the culmination of an artistic journey but also the ongoing evolution of the artists themselves. As audiences walk through the exhibit, they will experience the interplay of arrival and departure in art-making—both the physical creation of art and the metaphorical journey of self-discovery.

At the opening reception scheduled for March 14, attendees can meet both artists in person. Their presence adds an intimate dimension to the experience, offering insight into their creative processes and shared journeys.

The synergy between Kawai and Hatanaka, who are both set to exhibit in Venice in 2026, punctuates the surrealism found in their artistic practices. Kawai's upcoming work in a group exhibition curated by Yuji Akimoto will delve into the relationship between bodies and materials in a rapidly changing society. Hatanaka will participate in the 61st Venice Biennale under the curation of renowned curator Koyo Kuo. These future endeavors highlight their shared features of growth and transformation, resonating with the themes of the current exhibition in Roppongi.

What to Expect from the Exhibition

Visitors can anticipate a captivating experience as they engage with a diverse array of artworks that reflect each artist's unique journey. Highlights include Kawai’s playful and vibrant ceramics and Hatanaka’s evocative fabric pieces that challenge conventional perceptions of artistic media. The interactive nature of their work encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences of becoming, inviting them to consider how the act of making shapes identity.

This exhibition is not just a presentation of art; it is a reflection on the ideas of transformation and identity through the act of creation. Each piece serves as both an endpoint and a beginning—a testament to the artists' continuous journey of self-exploration.

As you immerse yourself in this journey, you'll gain insight into the profound dialogue between making and becoming. Make sure to mark your calendar for this unique exhibition and witness how art becomes a medium for personal transformation.