#Japan #Yokosuka #Prairie Card #Akane Sakaki

Exploring Time and Ambiguity: Akane Sakaki's New Exhibition

Akane Sakaki, an entering creative force and co-founder of the digital business card company "Prairie Card", is set to open her first solo art exhibition entitled 'What Color Were the Flowers I Saw Yesterday?'. From July 10 to July 20, 2026, this compelling showcase will take place at the historical Kominka space, Toishitsu, located in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.

This exhibition emerges from a backdrop defined by our fast-paced society, fueled by advancements like AI and hyper-efficient media consumption habits. As we grapple with questions surrounding the notions of speed, ambiguity, and the importance of recognizing our time, Sakaki will display a series of curated works that use photography and glass to provoke thought. Unique installations, created to inspire participation, will highlight these themes throughout the exhibition's duration. Furthermore, four engaging workshops featuring various guests, including anthropologist Hiroshi Nakamura, are scheduled during this time.

Conceptual Statement

The artistic heart of Sakaki's exhibition probes whether, amid the rush of modern existence, we can remember and find meaning in fleeting moments. She asks us to consider: "Will flowers forgive us for forgetting yesterday? Can we accept the reality that today is already slipping away?"

In our contemporary world, speed is no longer just about movement but pertains to our very perception of time. As Sakaki reflects, society’s pace has accelerated, with AI boosting productivity five-fold and cultural consumption reaching dizzying speeds. However, she argues that we should not categorize speed and slowness as opposites but rather see them coexisting within the same realm of our lived experiences. This duality reiterates the natural rhythms of the earth, and the exhibition invites the audience to embrace both concepts, contemplating the implicit value of slowness within our rapid lives.

Through this exhibition, Sakaki seeks not just to display art but to ignite conversations around our collective ambivalence towards time and existence. 'What Color Were the Flowers I Saw Yesterday?' will showcase art that encourages visitors to acknowledge their moments and the passage of time, engaging with themes of uncertainty that arise in our day-to-day lives.

Artist’s Background

Akane Sakaki, who hails from Yamaguchi Prefecture, has a rich academic and professional history spanning art, craft, and entrepreneurship. She graduated from the Kyoto University of Art and Design, where she honed her skills in traditional crafts and modern art forms. Following her studies and extensive travels, Sakaki became a creative director at Loftwork Co., Ltd., where she has been actively involved in various art projects.

In 2021, she co-founded Prairie Card, a digital business card service, bringing her artistic sensibilities into the entrepreneurial world. Featured in Forbes and other notable publications, she has gained recognition as an innovative voice blending art with business.

This exhibition represents a significant milestone in Sakaki’s career, marking her return to the artistic arena after a successful stint in entrepreneurship. It highlights her belief that both art and business stem from a quest to address societal questions and that every creation can hold profound significance.

Exhibition Details

• - Title: What Color Were the Flowers I Saw Yesterday? (A Flower I Almost Remember)
• - Dates: July 10 - July 20, 2026 (Closed on July 15)
• - Venue: Toishitsu, Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture
• - Hours: Weekdays 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Weekends and Holidays 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• - Admission Fee: ¥500 (Free for elementary school students and younger)

In addition to her exhibited works, a series of interactive workshops and talks will occur during the exhibition’s duration, inviting guests to dive deeper into the exhibition's themes. With her first solo exhibition, Akane Sakaki not only showcases her creativity but also offers a platform to question and redefine our perceptions of time and existence.

Conclusion

This exhibition promises to captivate visitors, encouraging them to engage thoughtfully with the themes of speed and ambiguity through the lens of art. Those interested should mark their calendars for this enlightening experience, which aims to resonate with everyone examining the essential questions of life today.