#Japan #Shinagawa #Atsushi Suwa #WHAT MUSEUM #Tomohiro Ishizu

Explore the Intersection of Beauty and Loss at WHAT MUSEUM

On January 18, 2026, WHAT MUSEUM in Shinagawa, Tokyo, will host a unique talk titled "When We Feel Beauty in Sorrow". This engaging event will feature celebrated painter Atsushi Suwa and distinguished neuroaesthetician Tomohiro Ishizu. The talk is part of the ongoing exhibition "Atsushi Suwa: You Are Beautiful," which marks Suwa's grand return to the spotlight with a significant solo show.

This exhibition includes an impressive selection of 82 works, featuring 39 pieces being displayed for the first time. These artworks span various genres, including still lifes and portraits, and showcase Suwa's artistic evolution over the past three years. With each piece, visitors are invited to reflect on the intricate relationship between cognitive perception and the appreciation of beauty, topics that will be further explored in the upcoming talk.

Tomohiro Ishizu, a leading figure in the field of neuroaesthetics, will guide the discussion by analyzing how our brains respond to art and beauty, particularly in the context of Suwa’s works. Neuroaesthetics delves into the cognitive processes involved in artistic experiences, establishing a connection between the mechanisms of the brain and the understanding of beauty. Ishizu has been a significant influence on Suwa’s artistic journey and their collaborative efforts have resulted in captivating works like "emptiness," which draws inspiration from the medieval illustrated handscroll "Hase Yushin". This piece aims to elucidate how the brain perceives beauty.

At the heart of Suwa’s artistic practice lies an extensive array of interdisciplinary research incorporating art history, techniques, history, folklore, and clinical medicine. The tragic themes of death and loss permeate his work, evoking a deep connection with viewers. The upcoming talk will dissect why these themes resonate so strongly with audiences, particularly in pieces like "emptiness."

Participants will have the opportunity to engage actively by asking questions during the event, to which both Suwa and Ishizu will respond. This two-way dialogue aims to deepen the audience's understanding of the exhibition and the artworks presented, enabling a richer engagement with both the artist and the academic's perspectives.

Event Details

• - Title: When We Feel Beauty in Sorrow
• - Date: January 18, 2026
• - Time: 14:30 – 16:00
• - Speakers: Tomohiro Ishizu, Atsushi Suwa, Takemori Miyamoto (Moderator)
• - Admission: Free
• - Capacity: 60 seats (Pre-registration required, first-come-first-served)
• - Venue: WHAT MUSEUM, 2-6-10 Higashi Shinagawa, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 140-0002
• - Organizer: WHAT MUSEUM
• - Official Site: WHAT MUSEUM Events

Note: A ticket for the exhibition "When We Feel Beauty in Sorrow," which includes admission fees for "Atsushi Suwa: You Are Beautiful" and the Architectural Warehouse, is required for participation (2,000 JPY). For more details, please consult the official website.

As a contemporary institute of art and architecture, WHAT MUSEUM operates as a platform that not only showcases yet preserves cultural values inherent within the artistic community. Its unique environment encourages dialogues between art and space, fostering a comprehensive understanding of modern artistic expressions.

By featuring a blend of paintings, architectural models, photographs, and installations, WHAT MUSEUM establishes itself as a crucial hub for artistic discourse within the international art scene, particularly in the vibrant urban landscape of Tennoz, Tokyo.