#Japan #Tokyo #tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU #BAKENEKO #Stick Together

BAKENEKO's Solo Exhibition 'Stick Together'

Starting April 22, 2026, BAKENEKO's solo exhibition titled 'Stick Together' will take place at tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU, an art space managed by Yasumasa Yonehara. This exhibition invites visitors to explore the essence of human connection through BAKENEKO's distinctive artwork.

Artist Statement

The central theme of this exhibition embodies the fundamental notion that people rely on one another. The characters depicted in BAKENEKO's works coexist, often gathering, overlapping, and sharing the same spaces. Sometimes they are found together in pairs, yet they might also stand alone, still tied to a broader sense of presence. Their existence isn’t always about overt support; instead, it's primarily defined by their togetherness. For BAKENEKO, 'Stick Together' isn't just a creative approach; it also captures a philosophy of living. Collaborative efforts with friends, shared moments, and the exchange of ideas all contribute to the generative process behind his creations. The desire to avoid isolation and the poignant realization of feeling empty without the company of others significantly inspire his work. This connection is portrayed not in idealistic or structured terms but through a fluid, often ambiguous, and evolving bond that remains essential. The core message of this exhibition is an essential reminder—to stick together.

About BAKENEKO

BAKENEKO embarked on his artistic journey in 2020, starting from the vibrant street art scene in Tokyo. His trajectory took him to the United States, where he gained acclaim for his character-based digital art, leading to his inaugural solo exhibition in Seattle in 2021. Eventually, his focus shifted towards creating physical artworks, a transformation that aligns with his return to Japan. Now based again in Tokyo, he continues to expand his reach—both locally and internationally—through exhibitions, installations, and collaborative projects.

BAKENEKO is not merely an artist who paints characters; his creations wrestle with deeper questions about existence and connection. His previous exhibition subtly highlighted themes of loneliness and fluctuating belonging through his characters. This latest exhibition 'Stick Together' progresses this exploration to a more fundamental theme: the necessity of human connection. His characters may not always provide direct help or firmly bond; they instead affirm their existence by merely being present in the same space while remaining interconnected. This nuanced, imperfect relationship shapes their very being.

Having roots in both Japan and the U.S., and growing up between the diverse cultures of Tokyo and Los Angeles, BAKENEKO has continually sought to understand his identity. For him, 'connection' transcends being merely a theme; it fundamentally defines how he lives. His artistic expression, which began with a simple act of placing stickers in the streets, has evolved to reflect the moments where people encounter each other and form relationships through art.

His characters are bright, playful, and approachable, masking a quiet awareness of humanity's intrinsic need for connection. 'Stick Together' is more than just the title of the exhibition; it encapsulates the very essence of BAKENEKO’s methodology as an artist.

Exhibition Details

Event: BAKENEKO SOLO EXHIBITION 'STICK TOGETHER'
Location: tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU
Dates: April 22 (Wednesday) – April 29 (Wednesday, National Holiday)
Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Reception:
Date: April 25 (Saturday) 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU

About tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU

For Yasumasa Yonehara, tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU represents a crucial first step for artists in selling their work. He actively engages with emerging talents, approached by their artistic potential rather than their follower count or exhibition history. The only criterion is his genuine interest in showcasing their work. He refers to this space as the starting point of new beginnings.

Location: ３丁目20-21, Jinguumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Website: thegallery-harajuku.com
Instagram: @the_gallery_harajuku

Curator: Yasumasa Yonehara
Producer: Yasumasa Yonehara