Exploring Ephemeral Beauty: Nao Tatsumi's 'XING'
YUGEN Gallery, located in the heart of Minato, Tokyo, is currently hosting the captivating solo exhibition 'XING' by emerging contemporary artist Nao Tatsumi. This exhibition runs from November 22nd to December 15th, 2025, inviting art enthusiasts to engage with Tatsumi's unique interpretation of the world around us.
Concept Behind 'XING'
The title of the exhibition, 'XING,' is inspired by the universally recognized pedestrian crossing sign found on American streets. Tatsumi explains, "I am intrigued by how a symbol conveys different meanings to each observer. By transforming these symbols into paintings, I explore the emotional intersections and fleeting memories that reside within urban landscapes." Her works, numbering around twenty pieces, probe deeply into the symbols of the reality we inhabit, presenting viewers with a complex array of human emotions.
Tatsumi describes her artistic journey as one composed of countless choices leading to unforeseen intersections. She desires to increase the density of these random encounters, stepping into uncharted waters of new landscapes. Embracing serendipity, she incorporates elements like digital image errors and unexpected color pairings encountered during her creative process, allowing her paintings to resonate with the feelings she experiences in her heart rather than merely replicating what the eye sees.
A Unique Artistic Process
In an exclusive interview, Tatsumi discusses her evolution as an artist, which was propelled by using Google Street View as a tool for capturing landscapes. She shares how converting symbols from signs and digital imagery into oil paintings allows for the incorporation of spontaneous colors and noise, ultimately creating visions of landscapes that do not exist in reality. Tatsumi also reflects on the value of reconstructing all the visual data available on the internet into paintings, stating that each creation is an exploration of a thought process that anchors her to the roots of her artistic inspiration.
Special Merchandise for Visitors
To commemorate her exhibition, attendees who participate in a survey at the gallery will receive a limited-edition tote bag featuring Tatsumi's artwork. This exclusive item offers fans a practical way to carry a piece of her artistry into their daily lives. Available only at the gallery, it's a perfect keepsake to remember this unique experience.
For those interested in viewing the interview article, it can be accessed
here for further insights into Tatsumi’s inspirations and creative journey.
Exhibition Details
- - Title: XING
- - Duration: November 22 (Sat) - December 15 (Mon), 2025
- - Reception: November 22 (Sat) from 14:00 to 18:00 (ended)
- - Gallery Hours:
- Weekdays: 13:00 - 19:00
- Weekends and holidays: 13:00 - 20:00
- Last day closes at 17:00
- - Location: YUGEN Gallery, 4F KD Minami Aoyama Building, 3-1-31 Minato, Tokyo
- - Admission: Free
About the Artist
Nao Tatsumi, born in 1983 in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, graduated from Tsukuba University with a degree in Architectural Design. Based in Yokohama, she crafts unique landscapes inspired by real-life locations gathered from virtual travels, merging these with the glitches encountered in digital spaces to produce her signature artworks.
YUGEN Gallery Overview
Established in February 2022, YUGEN Gallery specializes in contemporary art, exhibiting works from both emerging and established artists locally and internationally. The gallery is founded on the aesthetic concept of 'Yugen,' embodying depth, elegance, and beauty, seeking to share the allure of Japanese art with a wider audience.
For more information about the gallery and to explore the pieces available for purchase, visit the
official website.