#Japan #Tokyo #Atsushi Suwa #WHAT MUSEUM #Nobuko Nakano

An Insightful Talk Event at WHAT MUSEUM

On September 28, 2025, the WHAT MUSEUM, operated by Terrada Warehouse in Shinagawa, Tokyo, will host a thought-provoking talk event titled "Thinking About Painting in a 'Zombie-like Society'" featuring distinguished painter Atsushi Suwa and brain scientist Nobuko Nakano. This event aligns with the major exhibition "Atsushi Suwa | You Are Beautiful," opening on September 11, 2025, marking Suwa's return to a large-scale solo exhibition after three years.

The exhibition will showcase around 80 pieces, including new still life and portrait paintings, providing an in-depth look at Suwa's artistic evolution. His works are not merely reflections of technique but are heavily informed by interdisciplinary research spanning art history, anthropology, clinical medicine, and beyond. The upcoming talk aims to delve into these themes alongside Nakano, who will help to unpack the relationship between painting, society, and visual perception.

In the event, Suwa will discuss the concept of "zombie-like" painting styles, indicating a disconnection between surface appearances and deeper truths. Despite grappling with this despondency, he continues to research and create artworks depicting even absent subjects. Nakano, whose recent co-authored book "Zombie-Like Society: Surviving in Difficult Times" touches on similar themes, brings her expertise to the discussion, aiming to make sense of modern society through the metaphor of the zombie.

Both speakers will also focus on a shared visual phenomenon known as visual aura. Suwa has long struggled with this condition, which he claims has greatly influenced his painting process. Nakano, who has experienced similar symptoms, will contribute her insights into how altering perceptions shape both artistic creation and societal understanding. To facilitate this dialogue, Takeno Miyamoto, who has curated the exhibition layout, will moderate the discussion, adding another layer of insight into how the exhibition space impacts viewer experience.

This collaboration presents a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with leading figures from divergent fields and deepen their appreciation for the exhibition.

Event Overview

• - Title: Thinking About Painting in a 'Zombie-like Society'
• - Date: September 28, 2025
• - Time: 18:00 - 19:30
• - Speakers: Nobuko Nakano, Atsushi Suwa, Takeno Miyamoto (Moderator)
• - Admission: Free
• - Capacity: 40 attendees (reservation required, first-come-first-served)
• - Venue: WHAT MUSEUM, 2-6-10 Higashi Shinagawa, Shinagawa, Tokyo 140-0002
• - Organizer: WHAT MUSEUM
• - Official Website: WHAT MUSEUM Events

Please note, participation requires a corresponding WHAT MUSEUM set ticket for entry into the exhibition "Atsushi Suwa | You Are Beautiful," priced at 2,000 yen, which can also be purchased via the official website.

About Speakers

Nobuko Nakano

A distinguished neuroscientist, Dr. Nakano graduated from the University of Tokyo and has become known for her insightful explorations of human behavior through a scientific lens. She has held various professorial roles at institutions such as the International University of East Japan and has published works focusing on the intersection between neurology and society.

Atsushi Suwa

Born in 1967 in Hokkaido, Suwa is a painter acclaimed for his detailed and research-driven approach to realism in contemporary art. His works often delve into visible and invisible narratives, exploring themes of life and memory, while training young artists as a professor at Musashino Art University since 2018.

Takeno Miyamoto

As a curator and associate professor at Tokyo University of the Arts, Miyamoto has curated numerous impactful exhibitions and initiatives, contributing to the dialogue within the art community and beyond.

About WHAT MUSEUM

WHAT MUSEUM serves as a unique space that bridges contemporary art and architecture, operated by Terrada Warehouse in Tokyo. The museum hosts a variety of art forms and serves as a hub for cultural exchange, supporting regional artists while contributing to an international dialogue in the arts.

For any inquiries regarding the event, please contact WHAT MUSEUM via email at [email protected].