#Japan #Tokyo #ZEN #DESIGNART TOKYO #Urban Equivalence

Artist ZEN's Latest Showcase: 'Urban Equivalence'

This autumn, acclaimed artist and athlete ZEN will debut his latest artwork, 'Urban Equivalence - A Theory of Urban Equivalence' at two prestigious venues: DESIGNART TOKYO 2025 and Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore. The exhibition aims to explore the theme of urban existence through the lens of physicality and emotions, syncretizing the concepts of 'movement and stillness' as well as 'structure and emotion.'

The exhibition comprises works that were all shot in Los Angeles, with an initial showcase starting on October 31 at the official venue of DESIGNART TOKYO, followed by another segment at Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore beginning November 29. Notably, ZEN's artwork from the series titled 'LA2024 Series,' specifically 'Out of Times/2024,' has been selected as the key visual for the festival, appearing on the official guide map cover and promotional posters.

In ZEN's own words, he wishes to express through various media—be it photography, sculpture, or painting—the experiences he has garnered in confronting the urban landscape. His unique sensitivity to space is rooted in his athletic training, providing him with a unique vantage point to reflect upon the relationship between body and city.

Exhibition Details

Exhibition 1: DESIGNART TOKYO 2025

• - Dates: October 31 to November 9, 2025
• - Areas: Omotesando, Gaienmae, Harajuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, Ginza, Tokyo
• - Venue: MEDIA DEPARTMENT TOKYO, 19-3 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo

ZEN's participation in DESIGNART TOKYO 2025 marks his first foray into this major art and design festival in Japan. Despite being a newcomer, his work 'Out of Times/2024' stands out as the festival's main visual and will be prominently displayed at the main venue in Shibuya.

Exhibition 2: Solo Exhibition at Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore

• - Dates: November 29 to December 19, 2025
• - Venue: Art Wall, Ginza Tsutaya Bookstore, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo, 6F, GINZA SIX

This venue is pivotal in connecting the culture and commerce of Ginza, showcasing works of both domestic and international artists, and fostering encounters with art in everyday life. This exhibition will feature six previously unseen pieces from his 'LA2024 Series.'

Displayed Works

• - Out of Time / 2024
• - Spatial Clash / 2024
• - Hello, World. / 2024
• - Partition #5 / 2024

About ZEN

Born in Tokyo, ZEN is not only an artist but also a professional athlete known for his innovative take on parkour. He made history as Japan's first professional practitioner of parkour, winning the world championship in 2020. Starting from this athletic background, he shifted towards artistic expression to explore the relationship between urban spaces and bodily experiences, utilizing diverse media including self-portraiture, contemporary photography, sculpture, and drawing.

Through his works, ZEN aspires to act as a conduit connecting viewers to their subconscious, reinventing the experience of art appreciation. His artwork has gained significant recognition in international settings, having exhibited from Bangkok to Paris, alongside notable appearances in art fairs such as 'Photo London.'

In the past twelve years, ZEN's career as an athlete and artist has unfolded with remarkable milestones—from winning championships to participating in solo exhibitions both domestically and internationally. As he continues to blend his athletic prowess with creative expression, audiences can anticipate a thought-provoking presentation that challenges perceptions of the urban environment and our interactions with it.

For more details on ZEN and his works, visit his official website or his Instagram accounts: @zen_pk_official and @zen_stwd.