#Japan #Fukuoka #YUGEN Gallery #Shinichi Wakasa #Super Lucky Cats

Discovering the Essence of Wishes at YUGEN Gallery FUKUOKA

The upcoming solo exhibition of Shinichi Wakasa, titled Super Lucky Cats, is set to captivate the audience with its unique blend of traditional Japanese art and contemporary pop culture. From April 10 to April 24, 2025, visitors will immerse themselves in a captivating world where the iconic maneki-neko (lucky cat) takes center stage. This event will feature a special talk session on April 19, starting at 3 PM, exploring the theme “The Form of Wishes and the Origin of Thoughts” as part of a monthly event series titled MONTHLY WAKASA.

The talk will be co-hosted by Shinichi Wakasa and Mariko Inokuma, CEO of OMOYA, who aims to provide participants with insights into navigating life’s complexities in a chaotic world. Through their collaborative discussion, they will jointly unravel the deeper meanings behind wishes, prayers, and luck as expressed through Wakasa's artistry. As a contemporary artist deeply influenced by pre-modern Japanese aesthetics, Wakasa skillfully intertwines elements of manga, gaming, and anime in his work, presenting a contemporary interpretation of beauty.

Wakasa’s artwork is particularly well-received among entrepreneurs and business leaders as a symbol of prosperity. The exhibition aims to explore the evolution of the maneki-neko, which has been a primary focus of his work for over a decade, in a brilliantly illuminated gallery space that invokes a divine atmosphere, filled with his vivid paintings that aim to break through the sense of stagnation prevalent in today’s society.

Inokuma will bring her perspective to the conversation by sharing experiences and insights related to supporting women’s empowerment. She will focus on the idea of how women can lead more fulfilling and liberated lives amidst the challenges they face today. Their discussion promises to provide a multi-angled approach to understanding the hopes and wishes that resonate in our hearts in these turbulent times.

After the engaging talk, attendees are invited to an after-party, allowing for informal conversations within the enchanting world created by Wakasa's maneki-neko.

Key Event Details:

• - Event Title: Special Talk Session “The Form of Wishes and the Origin of Thoughts”
• - Date: April 19, 2025 (Saturday)
• - Time: Doors open at 2:30 PM, Talk starts at 3:00 PM, Ends at 4:00 PM, After-party until 7:00 PM
• - Admission: Free
• - Location: YUGEN Gallery FUKUOKA, 2-1-4 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
• - Registration: Free registration required via this link, limited availability.

Visitors who complete a questionnaire at the gallery will receive a limited-edition original sticker, a unique keepsake to relive Wakasa's extraordinary world at home.

Exhibition Overview:

• - Title: Super Lucky Cats
• - Exhibition Dates: April 10 (Thursday) to April 24 (Thursday), 2025
• - Gallery Hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Final Day closes at 5:00 PM)
• - Closed: Tuesdays
• - Artist Appearance Dates: April 12, 19, and 20 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• - Admission Fee: Free

This exhibition not only showcases the intricate beauty of Wakasa's art but also provides a platform for conversation and connection, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts and curious minds alike. For further details, visit YUGEN Gallery's official website to stay updated on this wonderful event and explore more of Wakasa's remarkable pieces available for purchase online.

Join us at YUGEN Gallery FUKUOKA for a transformative experience that intertwines art, conversation, and community, celebrating the essence of wishes and creativity.