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Art Gallery Project: Eri Uemura Solo Exhibition “Picking up My Bones”

The exhibition by artist Eri Uemura, who explores themes of wildness, the body, and the dimensions of time and space to convey emotions and impulses that fluctuate within these boundaries, will be held from Friday, January 24 to Friday, February 7, 2025, at GARDE Gallery in Omotesando, Tokyo.

During the exhibition, artworks will be available for purchase on-site. We warmly invite you to stop by and experience her compelling creations firsthand.

Uemura’s “Picking up My Bones” series, ongoing since 2016, skillfully portrays the fundamental wildness and desires emerging from the raw essence of our bodies as “living beings.” The figure depicted selecting what is needed from scattered remains after decay evokes both the fragility of the living body and a readiness for what lies beyond.

The series also delves into the tension between the “wildness” innate in all living beings and the “education” that defines how humans ought to behave—shaped by shifting times and cultures. This conflict sometimes drives an urge to escape into an unrealistic realm, such as the unconscious or the surreal. Uemura crafts an imaginative story world where impulses are laid bare amidst fantastical landscapes.

Eri Uemura 〈 Picking up My Bones (It’s better to burn out than to fade away) 〉 2017, 2020

The contrast between the young, innocent girl and the skeleton evokes medieval European aphorisms such as “Memento Mori” (Remember Death) and “Carpe Diem” (Seize the Day). Throughout art history, countless attempts have been made to depict life and death, and this endeavor remains profoundly relevant in the modern era. Uemura’s work captures and expresses the shifting collective psyche while offering a deeply personal interpretation of mortality.

In modern society, advancements in science and medicine have led to a cultural aversion to death, often relegating it to the margins of public consciousness. However, by boldly bringing it into focus, Uemura compels us to confront the light of life with greater intensity. This vivid juxtaposition encourages us, as contemporary individuals, to reflect on the paradox of “picking up one’s own bones.”

The interplay between the vibrantly rendered girl and the stark skeleton creates a distinctive aesthetic, weaving a rich tapestry that speaks to the transience of life and the essence of human existence. Through this contrast, Uemura’s work invites us to ponder the fragility and beauty of living.

Eri Uemura 〈I Came Back Because You Have Created Me〉 2019

The materiality of this exhibition is also a highlight. The wide range of materials, such as Japanese paper, pressed flowers, fire, wool, ink, and mineral pigments, give a stronger sense of analog physicality and give viewers a fresh impression with their reality. In addition to drawings from the early part of the series, the exhibition will feature his latest paintings as well as three-dimensional ceramic works, which he began working on in 2024, for the first time.

In an age where advances in science and medicine marginalize death, Uemura’s works vividly bring it to the forefront, compelling us to reflect on the inherent contradictions of modern life. The colorful interplay between the girl and the skeleton creates a unique aesthetic that highlights the ephemerality of life and the essence of human existence.

ERI UEMURA

Biography
1986 Born in Hiroshima Prefecture
2010 Graduated from Onomichi City University, Faculty of Arts and Culture, Oil Painting
2010-11 Moved to the UK and stayed in London
2014 Completed Master’s course in Oil Painting at Tokyo University of the Arts, Graduate School of Fine Arts

Major Exhibitions
2012

Group Exhibition “University Painting”, Akibatamabi 21, 3331gallery, Tokyo
Group Exhibition “Eri Uemura, Megumi Utsunomiya, Makiko Masutani’s Atelier”, Tokyo University of the Arts, University Hall, Tokyo

2013

Solo Exhibition “Life Drawing”, Ouchi Gallery, NY

2014

Participated in “Art Award Tokyo Marunouchi 2014”, Gyokochika Gallery, Tokyo
Solo Exhibition “Kiss”, JIKKA, Tokyo
Group Exhibition “Mitsukoshi x Tokyo University of the Arts Summer Art Festival 2014: Young Artists’ Exhibition: Leading the Next Generation”, Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Main Store, Tokyo
“Shibukal Festival 2014”, Parco Museum, Shibuya PARCO, Tokyo
“TOKYO DESIGNERS WEEK ・ SHOP ART WALK”, Pretty Ballerinas AOYAMA, Tokyo

2015

Solo Exhibition “ERI UEMURA”, eatable, Tokyo
Group Exhibition “In Focus 6: Current Status of Graduates”, MOU Onomichi City University Museum of Art, Hiroshima

2018

Participation in zine fair, Wetland venue, Taipei

2023

Group Exhibition “ART KAMIYAMA”, Aso Residence, Tokyo

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/eri_uemura

Eri Uemura Solo Exhibition “Picking up My Bones”

Dates：January 24 (Fri.) – February 7 (Fri.), 2025 *Closed on Sundays and holidays
Hours：11:00-18:00
Venue：GARDE Gallery (NBF ALLIANCE Bldg. 4F, 5-2-1 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Admission：free
URL：https://www.art-adf.jp/?sl=en

Nanchang JOY CITY: Designer Yu Ohata Discusses the Laputa Design Concept

Project

Nanchang is a city undergoing rapid transformation fueled by economic growth. While innovative infrastructure and commercial facilities are being developed, the city remains dedicated to preserving its traditional culture and arts, making it a prime location for evolving into a more prosperous urban hub.

GARDE embraced the challenge of designing a space that symbolizes Nanchang’s promising future by overseeing the interior design and coordination of the entire “Nanchang JOY CITY” building—a new commercial facility slated for completion in May 2025.

The Nanchang JOY CITY project was led by Chief Designer Yu Ohata, who has an extensive portfolio of commercial facilities both within China and internationally. Having previously designed Suzhou JOY BREEZE, this marks his second comprehensive interior design project for a JOY CITY complex.

The Overall Project Concept: Space Design Connecting Nanchang with ‘Clouds’ and ‘Hope’

We had the opportunity to speak with Ohata about his design vision and the challenges he faced in bringing Nanchang JOY CITY to life.

The overarching concept of the project is “Spatial Design Connecting Nanchang with ‘Clouds’ and ‘Hope’.” Chief Designer Yu Ohata explains: “Nanchang JOY CITY is a commercial facility that delves deeply into the unique characteristics of the Nanchang area, aiming to maximize its appeal and share it with a wide audience. Nanchang is an inland city in China, currently in a developmental phase. It boasts a rich history and is renowned as a national scenic spot, notably for the Tengwang Pavilion, one of the three great towers of Jiangnan. The design concept draws inspiration from the phrase ‘Qingyun no Kokorozashi’ (‘志在青雲’) in the preface to ‘Tengwang Pavilion’ by Wang Bo, a prominent poet of the Tang Dynasty. This phrase embodies the spirit of ‘possessing virtue, maintaining high aspirations, and enriching society and the world,’ which forms the core narrative of the project.

The project’s theme is ‘Laputa.’ We developed a grand spatial design symbolized by clouds, aiming to create an ‘ideal place’ where people can gather, relax, and enjoy. For instance, we hope that visitors who initially come to Nanchang JOY CITY as a community space will find it becoming their favorite place over time, and eventually a place they wish to visit with loved ones. Additionally, we meticulously planned the flow lines within the expansive mall, conducting numerous simulations and analyses to ensure a comfortable environment for visitors.

It’s crucial for malls to attract interest in stores on different floors and across corridors.
Therefore, we paid special attention to eliminating blind spots, ensuring that stores are visible from various vantage points. This project aimed to become a new symbol of revitalization in the region, especially during the challenging economic conditions in China following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.　We anticipate that Nanchang JOY CITY will become a beloved landmark, bringing new vitality to the area.”

Design Concept: Crafting an Enchanting Space with the Theme of “Clouds”

Chief Designer Yu Ohata elaborates on the distinctive designs symbolizing the project’s theme, “Laputa”:
“We assigned clear characteristics to each atrium and entrance, ensuring each holds a unique identity. In expansive malls, such design variations assist visitors in orienting themselves. Moreover, the consistent incorporation of cloud motifs throughout the facility, characterized by soft forms and textures, creates a soothing environment where visitors can feel at ease simply by walking through.

JOY CITY is a shopping mall brand with a nationwide presence in China. Initially, the focus was heavily on design, often overlooking costs. In recent years, however, there has been a shift towards design standardization to achieve cost control, aiming to blend unified brand designs with distinctive features unique to each facility. This ‘design standardization’ has been applied in the latest facilities in Sanya, Xiamen, and Nanchang. Balancing ‘uniformity and uniqueness within a single concept’ presented challenges, but we embraced them.

We hope that the thoughtfully considered design of Nanchang JOY CITY resonates as a special experience for visitors, establishing it as a regional landmark. Additionally, we aspire for this facility to become a successful example of a JOY CITY mall, achieving both design integrity and cost efficiency.”

Message from Designer Yu Ohata: Creating Cherished Spaces

“Our design aspirations extend beyond mere architecture. We aim to create spaces that serve as sanctuaries for the local community, where visitors can refresh themselves away from daily routines. In the post-pandemic era, as people increasingly seek comfortable environments, Nanchang JOY CITY was designed to be a memorable presence that aligns with the community. We meticulously attended to every detail to ensure that time spent here brings relaxation and vitality.As designers, we bear the responsibility to continually evolve in response to changing times and regional characteristics. Through projects like JOY CITY, we are committed to creating spaces that enrich people’s lives.”

Lead Designer

Yu Ohata
Chief Designer, Design Division
After extensive involvement in the design and on-site supervision of large-scale commercial facilities in China, Yu Ohata joined the Hong Kong office and the Asia-Pacific Division. His portfolio includes environmental design for major Chinese commercial complexes like Joy City, Malaysia’s PARKSON department stores, and Yuehai Tiandi, the latest commercial facility brand of Tianhe City. He has contributed to projects ranging from conceptual design to design supervision. Since returning to the Tokyo headquarters in 2021, he continues to focus primarily on Chinese projects.

Facility Overview

Name: Nanchang JOY CITY
Location: Chaoyang New Town, Xihu District, Nanchang City; north of Yunjin Road, west of Fusheng Road, south of Jinhwan Road
Scheduled Completion: May 2025
Developer: Joy City Property (大悦城控股)

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GARDE for “PLACE171” A Harmony of Modern Artistic Space and Spatial Design Welcoming Visitors with Sophisticated Art

Project

Located within a high-rise building in Yurakucho, overlooking Ginza—a special district where tradition and innovation coexist—this office space offers a unique presence. The area is characterized by the elegant Namiki-dori lined with luxury brands, historical department stores, modern commercial facilities, and seasonal landscapes that captivate visitors.

For this project, GARDE was responsible for developing the new design concept, schematic planning, basic design, and design supervision for the PLACE171 office space, which was originally designed by GARDE in 2018.

Reception Area Welcoming Guests with 16 Art Objects

The reception area serves as a crucial space that leaves the first impression on visitors. Here, a total of 16 art objects warmly greet guests. Evoking the atmosphere of a speakeasy, the centerpiece of the space is a chandelier suspended from the ceiling paired with a vintage black telephone, creating a nostalgic ambiance that defines the entire area.

Additionally, the contrast between design elements and lighting creates a dynamic visual experience, naturally guiding visitors further into the space.

Chic and Modern Lounge Spaces

The lounge spaces feature walls that retain the texture of concrete, creating an industrial atmosphere. A sleek bar counter designed with smooth curves and a black base, along with heavy marble-style tables and black chairs, adds a sense of luxury to the space. At the same time, the design accommodates a wide range of scenarios, from casual conversations to formal business interactions.

Additionally, LED line lights installed on the ceiling and walls can be illuminated to create an elegant ambiance with red or blue artificial lighting, offering a distinct atmosphere from the daytime setting. This transformative lighting is expected to inspire new opportunities for communication.

A Fireplace that Brings Warmth and Comfort

The centerpiece of the lounge space is the centrally placed fireplace, which enhances the overall ambiance. Its sleek, black-based design seamlessly complements the chic atmosphere of the space, adding not only aesthetic beauty but also a calming, relaxing effect. This creates a serene environment where visitors can pause and unwind.

The fireplace achieves the visual effect of real flames without using fire, instead utilizing water vapor illuminated by LED lights. This innovative feature allows it to be used year-round, not just during winter, and contributes to maintaining indoor humidity, enhancing comfort throughout all seasons.

A New Office Designed to Foster Community

Representative Mr. Yamamoto and business partner Mr. Yoshikawa of Dual Line shared their vision for the new office as a space where new connections and communities can flourish.

“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote communication has become the norm. However, we’ve come to truly appreciate the value of meeting people directly, both inside and outside the company, and the meaningful relationships that arise from those interactions. In this new office, we welcome everyone with a striking entrance and offer a lounge space where conversations unfold while enjoying the sights and sounds of the fireplace. GARDE has designed a space that leaves such a strong impression, it makes people want to return. We look forward to meeting everyone here at the office.”

Their vision highlights the importance of creating an inviting and memorable environment to strengthen both professional and personal connections.

Designer’s Comment

“For this new design, we aimed to create a space that balances functionality with sophistication, allure, and creativity. To ensure the office could adapt its ambiance flexibly according to different occasions, we paid particular attention to the lighting plan, materials, and furniture design. By crafting a design that allows the atmosphere to shift for each scene, we created a space that is not only practical but also offers an emotionally engaging experience.

The ceilings and floors were brought to life with the help of a specialized team, using unique coatings to achieve unparalleled artistry in color and texture.I hope this newly designed office becomes a place that connects people and fosters new encounters and possibilities.”
This comment underscores the thoughtful approach to creating a space that is both functional and inspiring, catering to a variety of needs and experiences.

Designer Profile

Shinichiro Misawa
After graduating from an art university, Shinichiro Misawa joined the Japanese branch of the largest luxury conglomerate in France. Over the course of more than 25 years, he gained extensive experience in spatial design and production for four brands within the group. He later served as the trade marketing manager for a French cosmetics brand before being appointed as the creative director for a domestic fashion brand.

Misawa’s expertise lies in designing and producing spaces, advertisements, and branding strategies for a diverse range of products—from low-cost goods priced in the hundreds of yen to high-end jewelry worth tens of millions of yen.

Since joining GARDE, he has been contributing as the Marketing and PR Director, providing branding and creative solutions not only for the company but also for its clients. His comprehensive approach and wealth of experience continue to deliver innovative and impactful results.

Facility Overview

Name: PLACE171
Location: 15th Floor, Yurakucho Denki Building South Wing, 1-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Completion Date: November 2024
Developer: Due Diligence & Deals Co.

BAMBOO EXPO 22: Exploring the Cutting Edge of Commercial Space Design

Trend

On November 20 and 21, 2024, “BAMBOO EXPO 22” was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center, Hamamatsucho, drawing attention from many industry professionals as a venue to experience the latest trends in commercial space design. The event showcased a wide range of items and services, including interior and exterior materials, construction materials, lighting, sound, art, signage, greenery, furniture, and water-related items. Below is an overview of the event.

The Evolution and Creativity of Glass

Glass possesses many qualities, such as transparency, hardness, and versatility in processing. In this exhibition, 13 companies showcased various types of glass and processing technologies, highlighting the potential and appeal of glass materials. Some of the exhibits included works that combined traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology, as well as recycled glass products focused on sustainability. These displays emphasized the endless possibilities of glass as a material.

Visitors could experience firsthand how the “transparency” and “light-manipulating” qualities of glass materials affect space design, offering both a visual and tactile experience.

Eco-Materials: The Potential of Sustainable Materials

In recent years, reducing environmental impact has become an important theme in architecture and interior design. The materials currently drawing the most attention from architects and interior designers are “eco-materials.”

At BAMBOO EXPO 22, numerous eco-materials were exhibited, all developed with sustainable perspectives, including materials made from recycled waste and those produced with environmental considerations in the manufacturing process.

At the exhibition booth, five companies showcased their materials, each passionately conveying the unique characteristics and underlying stories to the attendees. They effectively communicated the potential of their innovative eco-materials, highlighting how they balance design excellence with environmental considerations.

Fusion of Tradition and Innovation: “Echizen Washi”

As part of a special exhibition, “Echizen Washi,” a traditional craft from Fukui in the Hokuriku region, was showcased. With a long and storied history, Echizen Washi remains a celebrated traditional craft while also being widely utilized in contemporary design due to its unique properties.

Notably, its translucency and soft light diffusion have made it a sought-after material in commercial space design, where it contributes a distinctive aesthetic appeal. As an environmentally friendly and sustainable material with high design flexibility, it finds applications not only in Japandi-style interiors but also in creating luxurious spaces.

At the event, craftspeople from Echizen Washi studios were present to provide hands-on explanations of the material’s allure and its applications. This direct interaction offered attendees a rare opportunity to witness how traditional techniques are integrated into modern design, creating new value and possibilities.

Special Feature: Hokuriku/Fukui Material Center – Echizen Washi Edition

Conclusion

BAMBOO EXPO offered not only an opportunity to experience the latest trends in commercial space design but also a glimpse into its future potential. Packed with inspiration and discoveries, this event is a must-visit for anyone interested in design, craftsmanship, or environmental sustainability. The next “BAMBOO EXPO 23” is scheduled for May 2025. This platform, leading the future of commercial space design, promises new surprises and excitement. Why not take this opportunity to visit and experience it for yourself?

[BAMBOO EXPO Information]

Organizer: BAMBOO MEDIA Co., Ltd.
Official Website: https://bamboo-expo.jp/

GARDE President Kenji Muro Takes the Stage at Forbes JAPAN SALON Held at “Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya,” a Symbol of Shibuya Redevelopment

Event

On November 7, 2024, GARDE’s President and Representative Director, Kenji Muro, participated in a special talk session hosted by Forbes JAPAN SALON at “Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya,” located within the Shibuya Sakura Stage complex. This facility, which has already garnered significant attention, is part of the once-in-a-century large-scale redevelopment project underway in the central Shibuya Station area. The session brought together professionals from the fields of architecture, design, and business for a valuable exchange of ideas on the future of urban development.

During the talk session, Kenji Muro was joined on stage by Kazumasa Tarumoto from Tokyu Fudosan Holdings Corporation, who was involved in the project’s development. Together, they discussed the significance of the Shibuya redevelopment project and the role of design, drawing from their extensive involvement in master planning, design supervision, and art coordination for the common areas and guest rooms. Under the salon’s theme, “From Tokyo to the World, From the World to Tokyo,” they shared insights gained through the creation of this new Shibuya landmark and their vision for the future.

A key topic of discussion was the “dual nature of Shibuya.” Muro noted, “Shibuya embodies two sides: one as a vibrant, bustling entertainment district, and the other as a place where tradition and tranquility persist.” He explained how their design approach focused on leveraging this duality, aiming to create spaces that combine advanced, dynamic designs symbolizing Shibuya’s energetic spirit with elements that evoke warmth and calm. The goal was to craft spaces that resonate with a diverse audience. Tarumoto also highlighted the influence of urban development in Shibuya, emphasizing that this duality is a crucial element in presenting Shibuya to the world.

Following the session, a networking event was held in the venue’s restaurant, where participants enjoyed a fusion of French and Japanese cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Discussions delved into the design philosophies behind GARDE’s projects and the integration of Shibuya’s dual characteristics into the spaces. The event offered participants a deeper understanding of the vision and charm behind the new landmark, “Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya.”

GARDE expressed pride in being involved in such a significant project in Shibuya and reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to the creation of new value both in Japan and internationally.

About Forbes JAPAN SALON

Forbes JAPAN SALON serves as a platform where innovation and authenticity converge, bringing together executives and business leaders in a dynamic community.

Through monthly members-only events, the salon fosters deeper connections and provides opportunities for creating new business developments utilizing the Forbes JAPAN platform. It also aims to address social issues and generate the “next impact” for the future.

Website: https://forbesjapansalon.com/