Celebrating 5 Years of Ruinart Japan Award with Solo Exhibition by Sari Shibata

Celebrating Sari Shibata at the KYOTOGRAPHIE 2026

As the Ruinart Japan Award enters its fifth year, the spotlight is on Sari Shibata, the 2025 award recipient who will unveil her solo exhibition during the prestigious KYOTOGRAPHIE 2026 festival. Set to run from April 18 to May 17, 2026, the exhibition will be hosted at ASPHODEL in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district.

Ruinart, renowned for its celebrated Champagne, took the initiative in 2021 to establish the Ruinart Japan Award, aimed at nurturing young Japanese artists and creators within the realm of photography. This award invites its winners to experience an artist residency at Ruinart's house located in Reims, France, where their creative works are later exhibited the following year at the KYOTOGRAPHIE festival. Over the years, the award has been a stepping stone for many talented artists, promoting a deep appreciation for visual storytelling in the context of Japanese culture and beyond.

Sari Shibata has garnered recognition for her unique approach to photography, focusing on the evolving relationship between humans and the environment. Born and raised in Toyama Prefecture's mountainous region, she has spent considerable time in urban environments. This juxtaposition has deeply influenced her work, provoking reflection on global capitalism and the disconnection from nature. Shibata’s experiences in the city inspired her to explore themes of nature and humanity, leading her to create pieces that resonate on both personal and communal levels.

Reflecting on her time at the Ruinart residency, Shibata noted, “I was exhausted from work and daily life, but that time in Reims, surrounded by nature, reminded me of the profound emotional connection we can have with the natural world. It revealed to me the uncontrollable forces that nature embodies.” This realization has driven her to express these insights through her art.

The upcoming exhibition, themed “Dotok Days”, will tell the story of women in the process of growth and maturation, likened to grapes evolving through the seasons. This narrative draws inspiration from the landscapes surrounding the Ruinart estate, personal traditions passed down through Shibata's family, and her reflections on rural life. Viewers can expect a fresh perspective that intertwines the essence of the earth with the resilience and beauty of human existence.

Details of the Exhibition

- Exhibition Title: Dotok Days
- Dates: April 18 - May 17, 2026
- Location: ASPHODEL, Higashiyama, Kyoto
- Official Website: NYOTOGRAPHIE 2026 - Sari Shibata

During the festival, visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy Ruinart Champagne at the Ruinart Bar, open on weekends and public holidays. This allows guests to savor the distinct terroirs that inspire the wine, deepening the connection between art and viticulture.

- Dates for Ruinart Bar: April 18, 19, 24, 25, 29; May 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 16, 17
- Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Pricing: Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Glass - 3,000 JPY; Bottle - 20,000 JPY; Ruinart Rosé Glass - 3,000 JPY; Bottle - 20,000 JPY

In addition, the KYOTOGRAPHIE 2026 festival will feature various international artists under the theme of “EDGE,” exploring the space between art, truth, and fiction through the medium of photography. With multiple venues across Kyoto, this promises to be a hallmark event for cultural appreciation and artistic exploration.

Ruinart, founded in 1729, is celebrated as the world's oldest Champagne house, revered for its meticulous selection of the finest grapes and dedication to artistry in Champagne-making. Experience the elegance of Ruinart and the innovative vision of young artists like Shibata at this year’s KYOTOGRAPHIE festival.