#Japan #Tokyo #Hina Dolls #MOYAN #Dozojin

Unveiling the Layers of Identity in MOYAN's 'Figure'

The much-anticipated solo exhibition by the artist MOYAN is set to launch on February 18, 2026, at the Gallery & Restaurant Butaiura, nestled within the Tokyo-based Azabudai Hills. This exhibition, titled 'Figure,' will run until March 15, 2026, and is poised to present a profound exploration of social norms through the symbolic imagery of Hina dolls and the Japanese guardian deities known as Dozojin.

MOYAN's artistic journey has consistently revolved around the concept of "human dramas using dolls." For years, the artist has utilized dolls and dollhouses to illustrate roles that society assigns to individuals, roles often filled without conscious acknowledgment. This duality of dolls, both animate and inanimate, plays a crucial part in the replication of societal norms within the realm of play and fiction. 'Figure' specifically brings Hina dolls—symbols of wishful prayers during the traditional Japanese seasonal festival—and Dozojin, figures of folk belief that protect villages from calamities, into conversation.

Hina dolls have been passed down through generations, representing hopes and prayers for health and prosperity, especially for young girls. In this exhibition, the traditional pairing of male and female dolls is arranged in such a way that their relationship appears reframed, creating an aura of tension and poise that sparks intrigue. Conversely, Dozojin, revered as guardians at the boundaries of villages, embody a blend of beliefs that include seasonality, communal maintenance, and prayer for safety. Their continuous reincarnation and transformation challenge the notions of fixed roles and social expectations.

This exhibition brings to the forefront the struggle of dualities—symbolized by the juxtaposition of Hina dolls and Dozojin—that exists where prayer and societal structures collide. The exhibition's visual narratives prompt viewers to reflect on how identities have been shaped and constructed over time by these powerful symbols. Iconically, these figures express the quiet yet profound message that gender roles, relationships, and societal boundaries are not as fixed as they may seem.

A Closer Look at MOYAN: The Artist Behind 'Figure'

Born in 1991 in Saitama, Japan, MOYAN is a graduate of the Tokyo University of the Arts' painting department as well as its graduate program, specializing in oil painting techniques. MOYAN's artistic approach intricately intertwines personal narratives and broader societal issues, as witnessed through various exhibitions over the years, including works centered around the themes of identity and societal norms.

MOYAN’s artwork serves as an unflinching commentary on the interplay between cultural artifacts and current socio-legal structures, especially focusing on the long-standing absence of legal recognition for same-sex marriage in Japan—an issue that lingers even after the establishment of the partnership laws in 2015. The exhibition indirectly notes this stagnation while illuminating the need to re-examine established norms.

Moreover, the striking images of both Hina dolls and Dozojin elicit a sense of duality, concerning not merely their traditional roles but what they signify about contemporary understanding of gender and relationship dynamics. The silence embodied by these figures resonates within the current social climate, challenging the assumptions we accept without question.

Exhibition Details and Participation

The exhibition will open with a reception on February 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM, welcoming everyone to join—there’s no admission fee. The pieces will be available for sale starting at 11:00 AM on the opening day, based on a first-come, first-served basis. For those interested in viewing a price list, inquiries can be made via the exhibition’s official contact form.

In addition to its rich offerings of art, the Gallery & Restaurant Butaiura aims to be a space where emotions stirred by art can be shared over delectable food and drink, creating a unique blend of culinary delight and cultural engagement. The gallery is accessible, featuring facilities for those with mobility challenges and will be open Tuesday through Sunday.

As this exhibition unfolds, it invites viewers to envisage a world where the narratives of cultural symbols like Hina dolls and Dozojin transform into reflections of our own identities and expectations, showing that art remains a potent means of challenging and reshaping societal narratives.