Explore Emotional Landscapes at Ayaka Shirota's Love-Themed Exhibition

Journey Through Ayaka Shirota's Emotional Art

Tokyo International Gallery, located in Tennozu, Shinagawa, is set to host an intriguing solo exhibition titled _And Still, I Call it Love_ by artist Ayaka Shirota. This exhibit opens on March 7, 2026, and audiences are invited to experience a vivid exploration of emotions and inner landscapes through Shirota's compelling artwork.

Ayaka Shirota's artistry is deeply rooted in her exploration of emotions and memories. Her colorful, dreamlike representations depict the turmoil and trauma that often accompany daily life. Through intricate charcoal renderings of disembodied figures, she presents concepts and the essence of souls, allowing viewers to reflect on their own emotional experiences.

The central theme of the exhibition, 'love', derives from Shirota's engagement with her own negative emotions—ultimately transforming personal struggles into positive affirmations of love. The artist's statement resonates profoundly: she contemplates what remains when everything else crumbles. This introspective inquiry recognizes the interconnectedness of love across different relationships, whether romantic, familial, or self-directed. Shirota emphasizes that love equates to humanity's experience, transcending mere words or definitions.

This exhibition also marks a significant evolution in Shirota's artistic approach, showcasing new works created on unconventional supports such as roll canvas and plasterboard, alongside her familiar rectangular canvases. By merging various techniques, Shirota aims to prompt visitors to revisit their understandings of love, fostering a space for inner dialogue.

## Exhibition Highlights
On the opening day, the gallery will host a unique interactive viewing session. This participatory event invites attendees to engage in discussions while experiencing the artwork. Facilitated by a gallery historian, this session will deepen understanding of the pieces and encourage attendees to share their perceptions and thoughts, all without the need for prior art expertise.

Participants can join one of the two sessions scheduled for March 7, 2026, beginning at 5:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. Spaces are limited, and advance reservations are required through the gallery’s official site. This interactive element adds an exciting layer to the exhibition, emphasizing personal connection and communal dialogue regarding the theme of love.

### Artist Profile
Ayaka Shirota was born in 2001 in Mie Prefecture and is currently a student at Tokyo University of the Arts, where she specializes in oil painting. Throughout her artistic development, she has participated in numerous exhibitions, including notable displays in Tokyo and Kyoto, demonstrating her commitment to emotional expression and connection through art. Her works, often showcasing interior emotional landscapes, aim to evoke reflections and discussions that resonate universally with viewers.

### Exhibition Details
- Title: _And Still, I Call it Love_
- Artist: Ayaka Shirota
- Venue: Tokyo International Gallery
- Address: 1-32-8 Higashi-Shinagawa, 2F, Terrada Art Complex II, Tokyo, Japan
- Dates: March 7 – April 18, 2026
- Opening Reception: March 7, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Gallery Hours: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays)

Join us for an exploration of heartfelt themes and emotional landscapes at this remarkable exhibition, where art transcends personal narratives and connects us all through the power of love.