Event

The solo exhibition “Grid” by artist Kiyoo Ota, who elevates architectural perspectives into art, is currently being held at GARDE Gallery in Aoyama, Tokyo.
(Exhibition Period: Friday, February 21 – Saturday, March 8, 2025)

We spoke with Ota about the appeal of this exhibition and his future artistic direction.

In “Grid”, Ota explores the concept of grids—an idea he has long pursued—through a variety of artistic expressions, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. Grids, commonly used in fields such as architecture, design, mathematics, and urban planning, are composed of structured lines and points, serving as a fundamental framework that visually and physically conveys order and structure. However, Ota does not merely treat grid structures as rigid frameworks; instead, he constantly seeks new artistic possibilities by incorporating visual effects that challenge and expand conventional perceptions.

One of the most striking aspects of the exhibition is the collection of works utilizing moiré patterns. When meticulously drawn grid patterns overlap, they create a moiré effect that, depending on the viewer’s angle and distance, produces wave-like movements and vibrations. This dynamic illusion brings an unexpected sense of motion to what would otherwise be a static composition.
(Moiré: A visual phenomenon where overlapping layers of regularly arranged dots or lines create an interference pattern of wavy or rippling stripes.)

Additionally, the exhibition features works that deconstruct and reconstruct the cube, a fundamental shape in architecture. By intricately intersecting the cube’s surfaces and lines, these pieces challenge the illusions created by perspective and push its limits, blurring the boundaries between two-dimensional and three-dimensional space to create a unique visual experience.

Regarding this exhibition, Ota shared the following comment:
“The essence of my work is difficult to fully convey through photos or videos. In particular, the pieces utilizing moiré patterns must be seen, felt, and experienced firsthand to truly appreciate their intrigue and uniqueness. I encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the artwork, sense the shifting space and illusions with their own bodies, and freely explore the spatial transformations.”

Future Outlook: Expanding into Public Art

With a background in architecture, Ota is exploring new possibilities in the field of public art. He envisions integrating his works into everyday spaces such as parks and office entrances, making art a more accessible and immersive part of daily life.

Building on his past exhibitions in China and Taiwan, Ota aims to further deepen the connection between architecture and art through his work. His future plans include expanding his exhibitions beyond Japan, actively showcasing his art in major cities worldwide, including New York, Milan, and Paris.

Kiyoo Ota

Born: 1981, Aomori Prefecture (raised in Akita Prefecture)
Education
2007: Completed Master’s Program, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
2005: Graduated from the Department of Architecture, Kyoto University

Selected Solo Exhibitions

2024: Order, Gallery TK2
2023: Geometry, Daimaru Umeda Store
2023: Cosmos, Miaki Gallery
2023: Reality, Tagboat Gallery at Hankyu Men’s Tokyo

Selected Group Exhibitions / Art Fairs

2024: Art Central, Hong Kong
2024: ART ART TOKYO, Daimaru Tokyo Store
2024: ART SHINSAIBASHI, Shinsaibashi PARCO
2023: West Bund Art & Design, Shanghai
2023: Sarugaku Festival Art Fair, Art Front Gallery
2023: CHAPTER PATINA, Amanyangyun (Amanyang, Shanghai)
2023: Onbeat Art Show, Ginza Mitsukoshi
2023: China-Japan-Korea Sculpture Invitational Exhibition, Ministry of Culture of China, 2023: Qingdao Sculpture Art Museum
2023: Tennoz Canal Fes, WHAT CAFE, Terrada Warehouse
2023: Pre-Breakout Artists Exhibition, Ginza Six
2023: Contemporary Art from Around the World 2023, Daimaru Hakata Tenjin Store
2023: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otakiyoo/

Kiyoo Ota Solo Exhibition “Grid”

Dates：February 21 (Fri.) – March 8 (Sat.), 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

Kiyoo Ota – Upcoming Exhibition Announcement

“Kokon Tozai” (All times and places)

Set in a Registered Tangible Cultural Property with over a century of history, this exhibition will showcase 14 next-generation artists.

Participating Artists:

Yukino Oishi / Kiyoo Ota / Yoichiro Otani / Chika Kato / Yoshitoshi Kanemaki / Yu Kawashima / Kayoko Kimura / Ryosuke Shiomi / Yosuke Takasaki / Yoshiyasu Tamura / Momoko Nakamura / Yukihiko Haruta / Ryota Nishioka / Jun Matsumura

Exhibition Dates:

April 12 – April 30, 2025 | 13:00 – 20:00

• General Public Access (Free Admission): Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
• Reservation Required: Mondays to Thursdays (Please contact the exhibition office in advance via email.)

Venue:

Kyo Art
402 Mongaicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (Shichijo-dori, Horikawa East Entrance, North Side)

Contact Information:

Exhibition Office:kokontozai.art@gmail.com

On December 19, 2024, GARDE hosted an informational session for local governments regarding the Regional Revitalization Metaverse Award. The event was attended by municipalities from across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa.

During the session, Misawa from GARDE, the project manager, emphasized that the Metaverse is more than just a virtual space—it serves as a powerful tool for showcasing regional attractions and contributing to economic and cultural development. Furthermore, the importance of collaboration between local governments and creators was highlighted, stressing that innovative ideas can help solve regional challenges and drive sustainable growth.

Examples of Other Companies Utilizing the Metaverse

In recent years, promotional activities leveraging the Metaverse by local governments have been gaining attention. This trend is driven by advancements in digital technology, restrictions on offline events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and an increasing number of municipalities focusing on supporting regional migration by targeting the younger demographic, who are the primary users of the Metaverse.

Below are some examples of projects that have been implemented to promote regional revitalization through the Metaverse.

[Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture] Metaverse Business Matching Fair

Fujieda City hosted a Metaverse-based experiential business matching fair. Participants could visit virtual corporate booths within the Metaverse space and engage in real-time voice conversations with avatars acting as company representatives. Unlike traditional face-to-face business matching events, this initiative provided an immersive and realistic atmosphere, enabling a new form of business networking.

[Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Promoting Furusato Tax Donations in a Virtual Space

Hagi City, in collaboration with SPECTRUM, launched the “Hagi City x SPECTRUM Metaverse Furusato Tax Donation Campaign.” Visitors could experience furusato tax donations in a Metaverse environment, where they were welcomed by Hagi City’s official mascot, “Haginyan.” The virtual space featured 360 return gift items, allowing users to explore various booths in a friendly and engaging setting. Digital posters placed throughout the venue enabled visitors to access the donation website directly and make contributions on the spot.

[Akita Prefecture] Metaverse Expo to Promote Regional Migration

Akita Prefecture launched the “Akita Migration & Exchange Metaverse Expo” to promote relocation to the region. The Metaverse exhibition was divided into six distinct regional areas, each visually showcasing its unique characteristics in a 3D environment. Visitors could explore the virtual space using avatars inspired by local symbols, such as “Ndacchi” and Akita Inu dogs. This interactive setup allowed visitors to gain insights into regional features while enjoying various immersive experiences.

Regional Revitalization Metaverse Award Details

Call for Entry

This award invites a wide range of ideas that utilize the Metaverse for regional revitalization, including:

• Tourism Promotion
• Sports Activation
• Local Product Sales
• Encouraging Regional Settlement
• VR Job Training
• Other innovative ideas contributing to regional revitalization 

Application Guidelines 

• Theme: Ideas that achieve “regional revitalization through the use of Metaverse technology.”
• Application Period: November 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025
• Eligibility:
  • Applicants can be individuals or groups.
  • As of November 1, 2024, applicants must be high school students or older residing in Japan.
  • If applying as a group, all members must meet the eligibility requirements and provide consent for participation.
• Number of Entries:
  • Each participant (or group) can submit one entry specifying a local government or one general entry without specifying a municipality.
  • If applying as a group, each group is limited to one entry.
• Application Conditions:
  • Applicants must agree to and comply with the Regional Revitalization Metaverse Award application guidelines.

Prize Details 

• Grand Prize (1 Winner): 3 million JPY
• Excellence Award (1 Winner): 1 million JPY
• Local Government Award (4 Winners): 250,000 JPY each

※ The judging process will be conducted internally at GARDE and will remain confidential.
※ Details regarding the award ceremony will be announced at a later date.

GARDE, leveraging its global network and extensive expertise in design, aims to create new value for local communities. By fostering creative Metaverse-based ideas, we strive to contribute to regional revitalization and problem-solving. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that shape a more vibrant and sustainable future.

Official Website:
https://garde-metaverse-award.com/

GARDE Design Magazine provides project portfolio, trends in architecture, design, and art, and event information.
The project portfolio and the latest information on GARDE are now available on our official website.
>Click here to visit our project portfolio.
>Click here for the latest information on GARDE

GARDE Gallery’s ongoing art gallery project will feature the solo exhibition “Grid” by artist Kiyoo Ota, running from Friday, February 21, 2025, to Saturday, March 8, 2025.

The concept of a grid is widely used in fields such as architecture, design, mathematics, and urban planning. It consists of a structured network of lines or points that visually and physically represent order and structure as a fundamental framework. However, when intersected with other dynamics and visual effects, unexpected transformations can occur.

Building on an architectural perspective, Ota delves into the themes of visual perception, space, and order. Using architectural grid structures as a starting point, he explores their visual and philosophical potential from multiple angles. Particularly through the moiré effect, a visual interference phenomenon, his work reveals moments where static order begins to waver, giving rise to dynamic and uncertain spaces that evoke a unique sensory experience.

In architecture, perspective serves as both a framework for understanding space and a filter that limits perception. Through the process of deconstructing and reconstructing the fundamental architectural form of the cube, Kiyoo Ota challenges the illusions created by perspective and its inherent limitations. This exhibition reexamines this filter, presenting works that disrupt conventional spatial perception.

With his architectural background, Ota brings a unique perspective to the universal structure of the grid, revealing its contradictions and possibilities while offering new spatial experiences. By exploring the intersection of order and fluctuation, the exhibition invites viewers to reconsider their perception of the world.

Kiyoo Ota

Born: 1981, Aomori Prefecture (raised in Akita Prefecture)
Education
2007: Completed Master’s Program, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
2005: Graduated from the Department of Architecture, Kyoto University

Selected Solo Exhibitions
2024: Order, Gallery TK2
2023: Geometry, Daimaru Umeda Store
2023: Cosmos, Miaki Gallery
2023: Reality, Tagboat Gallery at Hankyu Men’s Tokyo

Selected Group Exhibitions / Art Fairs
2024: Art Central, Hong Kong
2024: ART ART TOKYO, Daimaru Tokyo Store
2024: ART SHINSAIBASHI, Shinsaibashi PARCO
2023: West Bund Art & Design, Shanghai
2023: Sarugaku Festival Art Fair, Art Front Gallery
2023: CHAPTER PATINA, Amanyangyun (Amanyang, Shanghai)
2023: Onbeat Art Show, Ginza Mitsukoshi
2023: China-Japan-Korea Sculpture Invitational Exhibition, Ministry of Culture of China, 2023: Qingdao Sculpture Art Museum
2023: Tennoz Canal Fes, WHAT CAFE, Terrada Warehouse
2023: Pre-Breakout Artists Exhibition, Ginza Six
2023: Contemporary Art from Around the World 2023, Daimaru Hakata Tenjin Store
2023: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otakiyoo/

Kiyoo Ota Solo Exhibition “Grid”

Dates：February 21 (Fri.) – March 8 (Sat.), 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

The Neo Laureati Award 2024 ceremony was held on December 12, 2024, at the Politecnico di Milano headquarters. This award aims to promote the value of architecture and design globally by selecting innovative and outstanding graduation theses from fields such as design, architecture, urban planning, landscape, and architectural conservation at Politecnico di Milano.

This year, Yukio Ishiyama, President of GARDE Italy, served as a jury member, conducting a rigorous evaluation of the many remarkable submissions. The jury panel also included distinguished architects and design professionals, including Colemzo Bini (Councilor, PPC Milan Architects Medal), Victoria Easton (Partner Architect, Christ & Gantenbein), Valentina Marchetti (UniFor & Molteni & C Historical Archives), and Pietro Pizzi (Architect, Studio Pizzi).

The Neo Laureati Award has been held annually since 2003. This year, 81 participants submitted 57 theses, covering topics that address pressing contemporary issues and regional challenges, such as the role of museum facilities, resource recovery in fragile territories, and marginality in Italy’s islands.
The event continues to serve as a prestigious platform for recognizing emerging talent in the fields of architecture and design.

“From Italy to the World: The Future Potential Shaped by Graduation Projects”

Yukio Ishiyama, President of GARDE Italy
Having served as a jury member for eight years, I continue to experience new discoveries and profound inspiration with each edition of the award. Once again, I was honored to witness the passion and dedication of the students through their projects. The jury panel, composed of renowned architects, university professors, and editors, ensures a fair and impartial evaluation process, maintaining the high standards that make this award truly exceptional.

This year’s winning projects stood out for their extensive research and investigations, not only within Italy but also abroad. Notably, an increasing number of projects address social and environmental challenges, reflecting a growing awareness of regional and global issues. The fusion of innovative ideas and meticulous research has resulted in works of remarkable quality and depth, leaving a lasting impression on me every time.

I am convinced that behind these outstanding projects lie the relentless efforts of students and the dedication of their mentors. I look forward to seeing more groundbreaking projects emerge through the Neo Laureati Award in the years to come.

Winning Project

Grand Prize: “The Podium Warehouse of the New KANAL Pompidou Center”
Author: Francesca De Santis
Supervisors: Jacopo Leveratto, Aslı Çiçek

Runner-Up:”Aqua ManifestA: An Experimental Theater on Water in Levanzo (TP)”
Authors: Pietro Dallera, Andrea Frontani, Alessandro Ricci
Supervisor: Jacopo Leveratto

Third Place:”Inter-Species Community”
Author: Paolo Grossi
Supervisor: Davide Fabio Colaci

The winning projects were highly praised by the jury for their innovative ideas and practical applications, as well as their in-depth exploration of the urgency and significance of contemporary architectural and design themes.
For more details on the award-winning projects, please visit:
https://www.adfwebmagazine.jp/design/neolaureati-prize-2024-best-graduates-architecture-theses-of-the-polytechnic-university-of-milan/

GARDE remains committed to supporting the global advancement of design and architecture, fostering new talent and groundbreaking ideas.

About GARDE Italy

Garde Italy, headquartered in Milan, is involved in a wide range of projects, from the architecture, façade, and interior design of fashion brand stores and restaurants in Florence and Milan to furniture design. By catering to diverse client needs, the office strives to create original and timeless spaces.　The company also actively engages with the latest trends and innovations in the real estate and design industries by participating in major events such as the retail real estate market event “MAPIC” and organizing collaborative exhibitions during Milan Design Week.

GARDE Design Magazine provides project portfolio, trends in architecture, design, and art, and event information.
The project portfolio and the latest information on GARDE are now available on our official website.
>Click here to visit our project portfolio.
>Click here for the latest information on GARDE

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.

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.

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