Exciting Art Exhibition 'Links, Embed Images' by Ryoko Kumakura and Ai Matsuzaki at Tokyo Gallery

Upcoming Exhibition: 'Links, Embed Images'

Starting May 31, 2025, Gallery & Bakery Tokyo will feature a remarkable two-artist exhibition titled 'Links, Embed Images'. This showcase is presented by The Chain Museum and highlights the works of emerging artists Ryoko Kumakura and Ai Matsuzaki. Located in a unique venue that combines an art gallery with a bakery and café, the exhibition aims to explore the intersection of traditional forms and digital influences in contemporary art.

Both artists belong to the digital-native generation born in the early 1990s. They skillfully blend digital thinking with traditional painting techniques, adhering to classical formats while pushing the boundaries of modern expression. The exhibition title, 'Links, Embed Images', draws inspiration from the image embedding features in Adobe Illustrator, reflecting how technology shapes their approach to imagery in painting.

Kumakura and Matsuzaki engage with a variety of historical images and methods of representation, posing essential questions about the nature of seeing. In particular, Kumakura's work invites viewers to consider multiple perspectives through layered compositions, whereas Matsuzaki examines the impact of images shared on social media and how these contribute to the definition and presence of painting in the digital age. In addition to thought-provoking pieces, Matsuzaki will present a large-scale work measuring around three meters.

The exhibition will capture a collective resonance, prompting dialogues around art and identity in the context of today's visual culture. The works will be available for early purchase through ArtSticker, with all pieces being brand new creations. The pre-sale will begin at 5 PM on May 30, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis, so it may end before the exhibition officially opens.

Exhibition Details:

- Exhibition Period: May 31, 2025 - July 1, 2025
- Venue: Gallery & Bakery Tokyo 1F, TODA BUILDING, 1-7-1 Kyobashi, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0031
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Admission: Free
- Access: 3-minute walk from Kyobashi Station, 5-minute walk from Nihonbashi Station, and an 8-minute walk from Tokyo Station.

We invite art enthusiasts and the curious public to visit and engage with the nuanced dialogues presented in this special exhibition. Whether you're savoring a bakery treat or contemplating a painting, Gallery & Bakery Tokyo strives to be a space where art and community converge.

About the Artists:

Ryoko Kumakura: Born in Tokyo in 1991, Kumakura graduated from Tama Art University in 2014 with a focus on oil painting. Her artistic practice revolves around the exploration of images generated through historical perceptions, structured with a variety of interpreting styles.

Ai Matsuzaki: Born in Sapporo in 1994, Matsuzaki graduated from Sapporo Otani University in 2016 and has continued his artistic journey, pursuing a doctorate at Kyoto City University. His work critiques the lingering responsibilities of paintings in the digital age, often originating from ephemeral social media images.