#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo art #gallery UG #Kenichi Obana

Kenichi Obana's Exhibition: "Stop for a Moment"

Kenichi Obana is set to showcase his latest works in a captivating exhibition titled Stop for a moment, taking place from December 5 to December 20, 2025, at gallery UG Tennoz located in Tokyo’s Tennoz area. Obana, born in 1981 in Ota, Gunma, graduated with a degree in oil painting from Tsukuba University in 2006. He has since become known for his energetic presentations at various art fairs and festivals, both domestically and internationally.

Currently based in Akita, Obana’s artistic practice is deeply intertwined with the narratives of human existence, local landscapes, history, and folklore. This connection allows him to create drawings and sculptures driven by the characters and stories uniquely sculpted within his imagination.

A recurring figure in Obana’s works is a masked character that leans more towards the role of an antagonist rather than a hero; these characters, although peripheral, embody the everyday nuances of life. They laugh and share moments with friends, shed tears over frustrations, and express anger regarding unchangeable situations. Their stories remain untold yet resonate with a quiet joy and a sense of fulfillment that enriches their lives. This unique portrayal of flawed, earnest ways of living adds to the allure of his work.

In the exhibit Stop for a moment, attendees will find a collection of both new and previously displayed works, allowing for a compelling retrospective of Obana's growth as an artist. He has pondered the challenges of reinstalling his works within a detached space, given their deep-rooted connection to specific locales and histories. However, he believes that recontextualizing his art in a different environment could foster new narratives and experiences for viewers.

The title of this exhibition reflects Obana’s thoughts and intentions. Initially hesitant to revisit previously shown works, a moment of clarity struck him upon entering the expansive, pristine white space of gallery UG. It inspired him to examine how his creations might be perceived in an entirely new light. The exhibition aims not only to reflect on his journey over the past few years but also to explore what transformations arise when artworks are displayed without direct ties to their geographical and historical contexts.

With hopes of bridging new developments from a moment of reflection, Obana invites everyone to witness this significant presentation of his works.

About the Artist: Kenichi Obana

• - Born: Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan, in 1981
• - Education: Graduated from Tsukuba University’s Fine Arts program in 2004; completed graduate studies at Tsukuba University’s Graduate School of Fine Arts in 2006.
• - Recent Exhibitions: Obana has participated in notable exhibitions including the "NOW Shibuya" mural art project at Hikarie (2025), "Ghost: When the Invisible Becomes Visible" (2025, Arts Maebashi), the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale (2024), the Aichi Triennale (2022), and the Setouchi International Art Festival (2022). His accolades include the Joetsu Art Culture Award (2022), VOCA Award (2021), and the Tokyo Midtown Award (2015), among others.

Exhibition Details:

• - Title: Stop for a moment
• - Artist: Kenichi Obana
• - Dates: December 5 - December 20, 2025
• - Opening Hours: 11:30 AM - 6:30 PM
• - Closed: Sundays and Mondays
• - Location: gallery UG Tennoz, 1-32-8 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 140-0002, Japan.
• - Contact: gallery UG Tennoz | Email: [email protected] | Phone: 03-6260-0886

Follow @galleryug for the latest updates on Obana’s works and the upcoming exhibition.