#Japan #Tokyo #Paichu Gallery #Ai Degaito #Aiko Yamamoto

Exploring Color through Art and Buddhism

From September 4 to October 10, 2026, Paichu Gallery, a unique gallery integrated with a Taiwanese restaurant in Roppongi, Tokyo, will host an engaging exhibition titled 'Why and How.' The event will feature the works of three talented artists: Aiko Yamamoto, Ai Degaito, and Akihiro Hasegawa. Each artist brings a distinct perspective on the concept of color, influenced by their research and philosophies, creating a rich dialogue for visitors to engage with.

The Artists and Their Works

Aiko Yamamoto has built her artistic practice primarily around themes of nature and human relationships through her extensive field research across Asia. Her focus on dyeing techniques shines through in her works. These pieces not only reflect her aesthetic sensibilities but also comment on the intricate bonds between people and their environment.

Ai Degaito, hailing from Asuka Village in Nara Prefecture, transforms everyday materials, such as household waste and cremated ashes, into glazes by incinerating them to create unique color palettes. This method captures the essence of these materials, documenting their existence and the memories they embody in an innovative way.

Akihiro Hasegawa explores existential themes through his art, heavily influenced by Buddhist philosophy. His background in a temple environment shapes his artistic perspective, pushing him to question the nature of existence and our place in the world. Hasegawa’s works are marked by a strong attraction to light, which he skillfully integrates into his pieces, reflecting his deep-rooted belief systems.

The Concept of Color

The exhibition delves into the origins of color as both a visual phenomenon and as a reflection of the material and cultural worlds it inhabits. Today, we are inundated with color through screens and printed materials, often losing sight of its intrinsic connections to the materials and processes that produce it. Colors used in Buddhist sculpture and architecture, for instance, are not merely aesthetic; they represent a blend of belief systems, technological advancements, and cultural practices.

In 'Why and How,' the artists aim to re-examine color not only as an end result but also as a process shaped by various influences—environmental, social, and spiritual. By presenting a range of practices and methodologies, this exhibition provides visitors with an opportunity to reflect on their own understanding of color and appreciate the influences that shape our perceptions.

Exhibition Details

The exhibition will kick off with a reception on September 4, 2026, from 7 PM to 10 PM, inviting art lovers and curious visitors alike to experience the depths of color and its significances.
The gallery will operate from Tuesday to Friday (5 PM to 11 PM) and on weekends (1 PM to 11 PM on Saturday, 1 PM to 5 PM on Sunday), with Mondays serving as a day of rest.
Visitors can enjoy free admission into the gallery during the exhibition period, both to engage with the artwork and to savor the delicious Taiwanese cuisine available on-site.

Paichu Gallery is located in the heart of Roppongi, easily accessible from several train stations, and invites you to explore the interplay of art and sustenance in its inviting atmosphere. For those interested, further details can be found on the gallery’s website and Instagram page.

As the world becomes increasingly disassociated from the origins of color, this exhibition stands as a vital reminder of its cultural and personal significance. Don't miss the chance to engage in a dialogue about color that harmonizes art with daily life.