#Japan #Tokyo #art cruise gallery #Masahiro Usami #Manda-la

Exhibition Overview

The art gallery, art cruise gallery by Baycrew’s, located in Toranomon, Tokyo, will be presenting an exhibition titled 'Manda-la Somewhere' by renowned artist Masahiro Usami starting on August 29, 2025. This marks the gallery's ninth exhibition.

Focus on the 'Manda-la' Series

Masahiro Usami's 'Manda-la' series serves as a conceptual exploration that encapsulates people and their cultural backgrounds from various locations, reminiscent of the Buddhist art form known as 'mandala.' Using meticulous research and dialogue, Usami's photographs aim to reflect the history and social fabric of the areas he documents. This extensive project, initiated during his student years, has spanned over 25 years and represents the core of his artistic journey.

One of the most notable aspects of Usami's work is his commitment to avoiding any digital manipulation. His approach is akin to that of stage artistry, contributing to the precision of composition and presentation that makes his photographs highly acclaimed.

Exhibition Highlights

This exhibition will showcase a range of Usami's works, from his early pieces featuring friends as subjects to his latest creation, 'Hiroshima 2024: Harumi Obayashi'. This piece, created last year, poignantly illustrates the residents' efforts to assist atomic bomb victims during wartime, elevating the cultural narrative surrounding sake brewing in the region.

Another highlighted piece, 'Yuriko Hayashi Hiroshima 2014,' is a result of collaboration with over 500 local participants and reflects Usami's commitment to continuously engaging with Hiroshima over many years. This work embodies a powerful desire to convey the memories of war to future generations.

Given that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, this exhibition is a significant opportunity for reflection on the past and critical inquiries about our future.

Event Information

• - Artist: Masahiro Usami
• - Exhibition Title: Manda-la Somewhere
• - Date: August 29, 2025 - November 3, 2025
• - Venue: art cruise gallery by Baycrew’s, 2-6-3 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo
• - Opening Hours: 11:00 - 20:00 (last admission at 19:30)

Media Preview

A media preview will be held on August 28, 2025, from 15:00 to 17:00, during which the artist will be present along with gallery director Osamu Ouchi.

Reception

The opening reception is scheduled for August 28, 2025, from 17:00 to 19:30.

Special Talk Event

In a noteworthy talk event, photographer Hiromi Tsuchida will engage in conversation with Masahiro Usami on September 27, 2025, at 14:00. Booking is required, and registrations will open on September 1, 2025, via the gallery's official website. This event marks a significant intersection between the perspectives of two artists who have documented the lives of Hiroshima's survivors, emphasizing the importance of their shared narratives amid the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing.

Artist Profile: Masahiro Usami

Born in Chiba in 1972, Masahiro Usami graduated from the Musashino Art University in 1997. He operates in the Tokyo area and has participated in numerous prominent exhibitions, including the Matsumoto Architecture and Art Festival 2024 and a planned solo exhibition titled 'Recollection ⇆ Vision: Past, Present, and Future of Hiroshima' in 2025.

Gallery Profile: art cruise gallery by Baycrew’s

The art cruise gallery serves as a unique intersection for art and fashion, curated by the Baycrew’s team. It aims to highlight universal beauty through a diverse range of artworks and artists. Each exhibition transforms the gallery space to reflect the artist's vision, allowing for a limitless exploration of connections between different works, thereby expanding the viewer's subjective experience.

Director Profile: Osamu Ouchi

Osamu Ouchi, the gallery's art director and graphic designer, was born in 1971 and graduated from the Tama Art University. He has worked extensively on creating a synergistic approach that combines space and graphic design, enhancing diverse artistic expressions.

By attending this exhibition, visitors will not only witness extraordinary artworks but also engage with profound narratives that resonate with current societal discussions on memory and history.

Be sure to mark your calendars for this transformative artistic experience!