Hara Nabbie's Intense Exhibition at tHE GALLERY OMOTESANDO
Starting from August 7, 2025, art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore a solo exhibition by Hara Nabbie titled "Sutegoro" at tHE GALLERY OMOTESANDO. Curated by Yasumasa Yonehara, this exhibition is set to showcase Nabbie’s distinctive approach to art that delves into the themes of violence, emotion, and physicality.
Artist Statement
The term "Sutegoro" refers to a straightforward fighting style that relies solely on one’s physical body, without any weapons. Nabbie believes this approach embodies the essence of raw confrontation and the clash of wills. According to her, the artist’s process of relying solely on the physical self during a fight represents a certain beauty inherent in vulnerability. "This fierce bare-knuckle fighting style is not just about violence; it reflects the culminating emotions of anger, sadness, love, despair, and yearning condensed into a tangible form of expression," she explains.
Hara Nabbie’s Profile
Born in Tokyo in 2001, Hara Nabbie is currently a graduate student at the Tokyo University of the Arts, specializing in oil painting. She has gained recognition for her exploration of universal themes surrounding violence and anger, winning several awards including the Grand Prix and Viewer’s Choice at the 2021 muni Art Award. Her previous exhibitions include solo shows and participation in prestigious art fairs, affirming her position as a rising star in the contemporary art scene.
Curatorial Insights by Yasumasa Yonehara
In his curatorial note, Yonehara encapsulates the essence of Nabbie's work with the phrase, "The universality of violence and just a hint of love." He emphasizes that her art is not merely a celebration of violence but an exploration of various aspects of human emotion. Nabbie’s works utilize an exaggerated sense of shadow and muscle, diverging from the smoother, more playful styles commonplace among contemporary artists. Instead, she captures the essence of realism through her unique theatrical approach, reviving the nearly extinct format of graphic art within a contemporary setting.
Exhibition Highlights
The exhibition consists solely of paintings of fists, creating an environment concentrated on the theme of violence. Viewers will encounter walls adorned with numerous representations of fists—a profound commentary on the physicality of human interaction. This immersive experience challenges attendees to confront their perceptions of violence and existence.
Yonehara articulates the significance of the fist as a symbol: "A fist represents proof of life, a testament to our raw human instincts, which seem to be fading away in contemporary society. Through her artwork, Nabbie communicates that 'this is not over yet' without uttering a word."
Exhibition Details
- - Title: Hara Nabbie Solo Exhibition “Sutegoro”
- - Location: tHE GALLERY OMOTESANDO, Tokyo
- - Dates: August 7 (Thursday) to August 24 (Sunday)
- - Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays (Open on August 11, closed August 13)
- - Hours: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- - Address: 5-16-13 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-0001
- - Website: thegallery-harajuku.com
- - Instagram: @the_gallery_omotesando
As art lovers prepare for this powerful exploration of physical confrontation and the myriad of feelings it encapsulates, Nabbie’s "Sutegoro" promises to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.