#Japan #Tokyo #Art Exhibition #JR CHUO #System of Escape

JR CHUO's 'System of Escape' Exhibition

Starting November 7, 2025, tHE GALLERY OMOTESANDO will feature a captivating solo exhibition by the artist JR CHUO, curated by Yasumasa Yoneyama. The exhibition, titled 'System of Escape', invites viewers to ponder the complexity of freedom within various systems that shape our lives.

The Artistic Statement

At the heart of 'System of Escape' lies the question of how we discover freedom amidst the myriad systems that define our existence. Each piece in this exhibition is inspired by the adaptive and transient nature of coral reefs, reflecting the organic and delicate geometry that resonates with CHUO's own rhythm in creation. It speaks to the fragile yet balanced structures that emerge from countless meticulous cuts, each cut representing a breath and a quiet act of resistance against conformity.

Coral that drifts north to escape warming seas, affluent individuals creating shelters deep underground, and subways running below bustling cities—these narratives are woven together by a pulse of controlled escape. Within this intertwined existence, CHUO reveals how repetitions, which appear to constrain us, are simultaneously vital to our survival.

Ultimately, even the systems we create might dream of liberation from within. This exhibition investigates the tenuous balance between control and collapse, order and freedom, inviting viewers to reflect deeply on their own relationships with these themes.

About the Artist - JR CHUO

Born in the UK in 2002, JR CHUO is an artist whose work uniquely blends traditional Japanese Ise-katap means of paper cutting with contemporary themes. Having studied in Cambridge and currently residing between London and Tokyo, he has developed a distinct style characterized by intricate paper sculptures achieved through thousands of meticulous hand cuts. In recent years, his focus has shifted to exploring how both nature and human systems adapt to survive or teeter on the brink of collapse, specifically highlighting the ecological threats facing coral reefs amid climate change.

CHUO’s work has not only captivated art lovers but has also been featured in renowned international media, including the BBC, DW, and NHK. Recognized as one of Forbes' Under 30 artists, he has made significant contributions to both art and social awareness through his partnership with environmental NGOs, donating a portion of his art sales to coral restoration projects worldwide.

His artistic journey began during a visit to a ryokan in Kyoto, where he encountered a piece of Ise-kata paper. Enchanted by its intricate structure, he self-taught the art of paper cutting, initially focusing on architectural themes before evolving into the abstract forms present in his current works. This evolution has led him to create complex structures featuring hundreds, if not thousands, of cuts that manifest a rich interplay of order and organic life, much like the coral reefs that inspire him.

CHUO's art embodies an orderly framework akin to a city's subway layout, yet it harbors an organic warmth that mirrors the vibrant colors of coral. In particular, the fluorescent hues of nearly bleached corals encapsulate his view of beauty emerging in the face of destruction.

Exhibition Details

JR CHUO: 'System of Escape'

• - Location: tHE GALLERY OMOTESANDO
• - Dates: November 7 (Friday) – November 30 (Sunday)
• - Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays (Note: open on 11/24, closed on 11/26)
• - Hours: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• - Opening Reception: November 7, 18:00 - 20:00, free entry

Address

• - tHE GALLERY OMOTESANDO

150-0001
5-16-13 Jinguumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
SIX HARAJUKU TERRACE S Building 2F

For more information, visit the gallery website or follow their Instagram at @the_gallery_omotesando.

JR CHUO’s 'System of Escape' promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of art, nature, and the intricate balances we navigate in our daily lives. We invite you to experience this unique exhibition and reflect upon the systems that shape your own existence.