#Japan #Tokyo #Art Exhibition #Hisaya Kumano #FROZEN STRINGS

FROZEN STRINGS: An Immersive Art Experience

From September 26 to 28, 2025, Hisaya Kumano will exhibit his work in a unique art installation titled FROZEN STRINGS. This art show not only showcases floral arrangements but also bridges the complexities of human emotions and creativity. By utilizing both indoor and outdoor spaces, Kumano seeks to create environments where plants can thrive and express their inherent beauty.

The essence of the exhibition lies in Kumano's philosophy regarding the relationship between the observer and the observed. When flowers are taken from their natural environments and integrated into curated spaces, it is essential to provide them with an area that highlights their life force. This act of arrangement is a necessary ritual that challenges the skills of the artist, allowing him to merge ephemeral beauty with spatial art, leading to an appreciation of “the beauty of emptiness”, a concept deeply embedded in Japanese aesthetics.

Kumano believes that by thoughtfully crafting the spaces where installations occur, attendees are encouraged to fully embrace their imaginative faculties. The artwork’s true essence can only be discovered by those present at the exhibit, underscoring the intrinsic mystery of human imagination. In today's increasingly distracted world, Kumano strongly feels that opportunities to nurture this natural creativity are dwindling. Hence, he decided to unveil this exhibition as a necessary expression of artistic communication.

Throughout FROZEN STRINGS, visitors can expect to be transported into realms of fantasy, inspired by literary elements woven into the artwork. This year’s display not only includes intricate plant arrangements but also incorporates music, video projections, and lighting—transforming it into a holistic visual art experience.

Exhibition Details

• - Artist: Hisaya Kumano
• - Producer: Robin Rastenberger
• - Sound Director: Akira Kawasaki (mouse on the keys)
• - Film Crew: Yuki Inomata, Hayato Ina
• - Technical Support: Yoh Murata, Kyo Imai
• - Location: PLAT Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Dates: September 26 (Friday) – 28 (Sunday), 2025
• - Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
• - Admission: Free

The core of Kumano's artistic practice is about creating a shared experience where audiences can immerse themselves in a disjointed sense of time. By activating viewer imagination within unique installations, Kumano enables individuals to discover their interpretations of his work. This is not merely about aesthetics; it's about nuanced emotions and grounded narratives. His choice of materials often involves painstaking methods, as he intentionally uses compositions that carry the weight of time—integrating substances derived from aged trees and other organic forms.

The exhibition aims to evoke feelings commonly associated with science fiction yet retain ties to indigenous characteristics that make the creations relatable and deeply personal, showcasing a departure from conventional beauty and aesthetics. Notably, FROZEN STRINGS will also be featured in Paris in 2026, marking an international extension of Kumano's artistry.

About Hisaya Kumano

Born in 1975 in Osaka, Kumano was influenced by his father, an oil painter and ceramic collector, cultivating an early appreciation for art. After studying oil painting at Kōnan High School’s art department, he briefly moved to the U.S. for further education. Post-return, he became engaged as a costume designer before discovering ikebana, a traditional Japanese art form of flower arrangement, in his late twenties.

Since then, Kumano has creatively interpreted both classical and contemporary forms of ikebana, showcasing his work in renowned venues across Japan and cities like New York, Seoul, and Buenos Aires. His collaboration with other disciplines, notably during the Matsumoto Architecture Art Festival in 2022 and 2023, emphasizes his commitment to interdisciplinary work, bringing together musicians, dancers, and visual arts.

With a focus on enhancing the energy and mystique inherent in plant life, Kumano creates immersive narratives that stir the audience's explorative instincts. His recent exhibitions emphasize engaging viewers’ imaginations, incorporating comprehensive techniques that span music, video, and lighting—pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms.

For those interested in exploring deeper artistic concepts and experiencing a bridge between human creativity and nature’s wonders, FROZEN STRINGS promises to be an unforgettable journey into the realms of imagination.