都内屈指のアートタウン、天王洲アイルにあるアートギャラリーカフェ「WHAT CAFE」にて開催された「WHAT CAFE EXHIBITION vol.32」をご紹介。本展は2023年12月9日 ~12月24日まで開催され、アートキュレーター野間博尊氏と現代アーティストyutaokuda氏がセレクトした20名のアーティスト約180点の作品が展示販売されました。出展アーティストの作風は多岐に渡り、イラスト、ペインティング、ミクストメディアなどあらゆる作品が展示されました。

WHAT CAFE EXHIBITION vol.32 was held at WHAT CAFE, an art gallery cafe located in Tennozu Isle, one of Tokyo’s leading art districts. The exhibition ran from December 9 to 24, 2023, and approximately 180 works by 20 artists, selected by curator Hirotaka Noma and contemporary artist yutaokuda, were showcased and available for sale. The exhibiting artists represented a wide range of styles and all kinds of artworks were on display, including illustrations, paintings, and mixed media.

WHAT CAFE EXHIBITION vol.32 was held at WHAT CAFE, an art gallery cafe located in Tennozu Isle, one of Tokyo’s leading art districts. The exhibition ran from December 9 to 24, 2023, and approximately 180 works by 20 artists, selected by curator Hirotaka Noma and contemporary artist yutaokuda, were showcased and available for sale. The exhibiting artists represented a wide range of styles and all kinds of artworks were on display, including illustrations, paintings, and mixed media.

WHAT CAFE EXHIBITION vol.32 was held at WHAT CAFE, an art gallery cafe located in Tennozu Isle, one of Tokyo’s leading art districts. The exhibition ran from December 9 to 24, 2023, and approximately 180 works by 20 artists, selected by curator Hirotaka Noma and contemporary artist yutaokuda, were showcased and available for sale. The exhibiting artists represented a wide range of styles and all kinds of artworks were on display, including illustrations, paintings, and mixed media.

WHAT CAFEは現代アートの魅力を多方面から楽しめるカフェアートギャラリーです。若手アーティストとコレクターやアートファンを繋げる場所として、これまで数多くのグループ展を開催しています。本展覧会のテーマである「ART IS…」にはWHAT CAFEを訪れる人々が自身の「アートとは」を見つめ直し、新たな発見を生み出していただける空間を提供したいという思いが込められています。
アートに馴染みがある人も、アートギャラリーに訪問するのが初めての人でも、気軽に訪れる事ができるのが特徴です。アートギャラリーは敷居の高いイメージがありますが、WHAT CAFEは開放的で心地よい空間が広がり自分のペースでアートを楽しめるのが魅力です。

WHAT CAFE is a cafe art gallery that provides diverse ways to enjoy the fascinating world of contemporary art. The venue has hosted many group exhibitions, acting as a space to connect emerging artists with art collectors and art lovers. With the exhibition theme “ART IS…,” WHAT CAFE hopes to offer a space where visitors can reflect on what art means to them, and make new discoveries.
The space is welcoming to all, from art connoisseurs to first-time gallery visitors. Although art galleries can seem intimidating, WHAT CAFE offers a spacious and comfortable spot where everyone can enjoy art at their own pace.

WHAT CAFE is a cafe art gallery that provides diverse ways to enjoy the fascinating world of contemporary art. The venue has hosted many group exhibitions, acting as a space to connect emerging artists with art collectors and art lovers. With the exhibition theme “ART IS…,” WHAT CAFE hopes to offer a space where visitors can reflect on what art means to them, and make new discoveries.
The space is welcoming to all, from art connoisseurs to first-time gallery visitors. Although art galleries can seem intimidating, WHAT CAFE offers a spacious and comfortable spot where everyone can enjoy art at their own pace.

WHAT CAFE is a cafe art gallery that provides diverse ways to enjoy the fascinating world of contemporary art. The venue has hosted many group exhibitions, acting as a space to connect emerging artists with art collectors and art lovers. With the exhibition theme “ART IS…,” WHAT CAFE hopes to offer a space where visitors can reflect on what art means to them, and make new discoveries.
The space is welcoming to all, from art connoisseurs to first-time gallery visitors. Although art galleries can seem intimidating, WHAT CAFE offers a spacious and comfortable spot where everyone can enjoy art at their own pace.

HARUNA SHIKATAさんは感情や情報の上書きをテーマに、脳に蓄積された情報が重なり合うさまを視覚化しています。現代社会では洪水のように大量の情報が流れ込み、その情報が渦のように脳を巡ります。その渦めいた情報や感情があらゆる色や形で表現される様子は、世界に溢れる多くの情報が脳を目まぐるしく回っているように見えます。
また、グラフィカルに表現した作品は、その渦めいた情報や感情をどうにか取捨選択し、自分にとって何が大切なのかを見極めているようにも感じます。スマートフォンが普及している現代社会では簡単に検索ができ、意図せず一瞬にして多くの情報に触れてしまいます。そういった現代社会の中で、情報に踊らされず自分の判断基準や価値観を持つことの大切さを思い出させてくれます。

Delving into the theme of emotions and overwriting information, artist HARUNA SHIKATA visualizes the ways in which information accumulated in the brain overlaps. In today’s society, we receive a flood of information, which swirls through our brains like a whirlpool. The artist represents this swirl of information and emotions with complex combinations of colors and shapes, capturing the deluge of data from the world spinning around in our brains at a dizzying pace.
The pictorial artworks seem to be depicting the way that people somehow selectively engage with information and emotions from amid the whirlpool, and decide what is important for them. With the spread of smartphones, it is easy nowadays to search for something online, and people are unintentionally exposed to an excess of information in a blink of an eye. These works remind us of the importance of maintaining our own standards and values, independent of this data inundation that comes with navigating today’s society.

Delving into the theme of emotions and overwriting information, artist HARUNA SHIKATA visualizes the ways in which information accumulated in the brain overlaps. In today’s society, we receive a flood of information, which swirls through our brains like a whirlpool. The artist represents this swirl of information and emotions with complex combinations of colors and shapes, capturing the deluge of data from the world spinning around in our brains at a dizzying pace.
The pictorial artworks seem to be depicting the way that people somehow selectively engage with information and emotions from amid the whirlpool, and decide what is important for them. With the spread of smartphones, it is easy nowadays to search for something online, and people are unintentionally exposed to an excess of information in a blink of an eye. These works remind us of the importance of maintaining our own standards and values, independent of this data inundation that comes with navigating today’s society.

Delving into the theme of emotions and overwriting information, artist HARUNA SHIKATA visualizes the ways in which information accumulated in the brain overlaps. In today’s society, we receive a flood of information, which swirls through our brains like a whirlpool. The artist represents this swirl of information and emotions with complex combinations of colors and shapes, capturing the deluge of data from the world spinning around in our brains at a dizzying pace.
The pictorial artworks seem to be depicting the way that people somehow selectively engage with information and emotions from amid the whirlpool, and decide what is important for them. With the spread of smartphones, it is easy nowadays to search for something online, and people are unintentionally exposed to an excess of information in a blink of an eye. These works remind us of the importance of maintaining our own standards and values, independent of this data inundation that comes with navigating today’s society.

データとして脳に蓄積されても、日々を生きる中で常に情報や感情が更新されていき、結果的にインプットされている情報はごく僅かで、何も考えずただ目の前の作品に向き合うなど、ノイズを強制的に遮断する時間も大切だな、とHARUNAさんの作品を観て感じました。ひとたびスマートフォンに触れてしまうと瞬時に情報と触れてしまうので、スマートフォンの電源を切り目の前のことに向き合うことは自身の心を見つめ直すきっかけになるかもしれません。

Viewing HARUNA SHIKATA’s artwork, I felt the importance of creating time to forcefully shut out noise, empty my mind, and simply engage with the piece in front of me, given that we end up inputting very little information even if our brains accumulate data, since the information and feelings are constantly being updated in our daily life. As soon as we pick up our smartphones, we are hit with an instant data exposure, so perhaps switching them off and confronting what is in front of us could serve as an opportunity to take stock of our own minds.

Viewing HARUNA SHIKATA’s artwork, I felt the importance of creating time to forcefully shut out noise, empty my mind, and simply engage with the piece in front of me, given that we end up inputting very little information even if our brains accumulate data, since the information and feelings are constantly being updated in our daily life. As soon as we pick up our smartphones, we are hit with an instant data exposure, so perhaps switching them off and confronting what is in front of us could serve as an opportunity to take stock of our own minds.

Viewing HARUNA SHIKATA’s artwork, I felt the importance of creating time to forcefully shut out noise, empty my mind, and simply engage with the piece in front of me, given that we end up inputting very little information even if our brains accumulate data, since the information and feelings are constantly being updated in our daily life. As soon as we pick up our smartphones, we are hit with an instant data exposure, so perhaps switching them off and confronting what is in front of us could serve as an opportunity to take stock of our own minds.

展示会場にはポップなイラストや抽象度の高い作品など多くの作品が並ぶ中、集合体で描かれたNoriyuki.さんの作品に目が留まりじっくりと観察すると、集合体一つ一つに顔がありました。なんとその個体には「どっとちゃん」というチャーミングな名前があり、ひとつひとつ違う存在で細胞をイメージしています。人間もそれぞれ個性があるのと同様に「どっとちゃん」も表情や体の形がそれぞれ異なります。自分が大きな集合体の一つとして、「一つでも欠けたら成立しないからあなたは孤独ではないし、必要とされないことはない」ということを作品を通して伝えています。

Among the many artworks displayed in the exhibition, including pop illustrations and highly abstract pieces, Noriyuki.’s works—in which the artist uses smaller elements to form a larger image—caught my eye. Upon observing them closer, I realized each tiny component within the aggregate had its own face. In fact, each individual figure, with the charming name of “Dot Chan,” represents a unique cell-like existence. Just as humans have their own individuality, each Dot Chan differs in facial expression and body shape. The artist conveys how we are never alone or unnecessary, because each and every one of us is essential in forming the larger collective body.

Among the many artworks displayed in the exhibition, including pop illustrations and highly abstract pieces, Noriyuki.’s works—in which the artist uses smaller elements to form a larger image—caught my eye. Upon observing them closer, I realized each tiny component within the aggregate had its own face. In fact, each individual figure, with the charming name of “Dot Chan,” represents a unique cell-like existence. Just as humans have their own individuality, each Dot Chan differs in facial expression and body shape. The artist conveys how we are never alone or unnecessary, because each and every one of us is essential in forming the larger collective body.

Among the many artworks displayed in the exhibition, including pop illustrations and highly abstract pieces, Noriyuki.’s works—in which the artist uses smaller elements to form a larger image—caught my eye. Upon observing them closer, I realized each tiny component within the aggregate had its own face. In fact, each individual figure, with the charming name of “Dot Chan,” represents a unique cell-like existence. Just as humans have their own individuality, each Dot Chan differs in facial expression and body shape. The artist conveys how we are never alone or unnecessary, because each and every one of us is essential in forming the larger collective body.

Noriryuki.さんの作品を観ていると「愛」と「尊重」が大きなテーマになっていると感じます。どっとちゃんも現代に生きる私たちと同様に、個体それぞれが互いに影響を与え合い支え合っているように見えます。ひとりひとりの個性を愛し、尊重し合い、大きな集合体の一つとしてそれぞれが輝く姿はとても豊かな世界に感じます。愛らしいどっとちゃんの世界を見て、隣にいる誰かに少しでも優しく接していきたいなと思いました。Noriyuki.さんの作品はどっとちゃん以外にも様々な人間や動物をモチーフにしたキャラクターもあり、その作品は会期中に公開制作されたそうです。

When I looked at Noriyuki.’s works, I felt that they deal with the expansive themes of love and respect. The Dot Chan figures appear to be influencing and supporting one another, just as we do in today’s society. A rich world unfolds where everyone shines as part of a larger collective whole, with love and mutual respect for each person’s individuality. Experiencing the endearing Dot Chan world made me want to be as kind as I can to those around me. In addition to Dot Chan, the artist also depicts characters based on various human and animal motifs, , and some of the artworks were created as live paintings at the venue during the exhibition.

When I looked at Noriyuki.’s works, I felt that they deal with the expansive themes of love and respect. The Dot Chan figures appear to be influencing and supporting one another, just as we do in today’s society. A rich world unfolds where everyone shines as part of a larger collective whole, with love and mutual respect for each person’s individuality. Experiencing the endearing Dot Chan world made me want to be as kind as I can to those around me. In addition to Dot Chan, the artist also depicts characters based on various human and animal motifs, , and some of the artworks were created as live paintings at the venue during the exhibition.

When I looked at Noriyuki.’s works, I felt that they deal with the expansive themes of love and respect. The Dot Chan figures appear to be influencing and supporting one another, just as we do in today’s society. A rich world unfolds where everyone shines as part of a larger collective whole, with love and mutual respect for each person’s individuality. Experiencing the endearing Dot Chan world made me want to be as kind as I can to those around me. In addition to Dot Chan, the artist also depicts characters based on various human and animal motifs, , and some of the artworks were created as live paintings at the venue during the exhibition.

続いてLINEスタンプやXで見覚えのあるWAKARUさんの作品を鑑賞。SNS発信で人気に火が着いた作家さんで、これまでデジタル作品を中心に制作していましたが、コロナ禍をきっかけにキャンバス作品を制作するようになったそう。

Next, I took in WAKARU’s artworks, which I had seen before on X and as LINE stickers. The artist became popular through social media and switched from mainly working digitally to working on canvas after the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Next, I took in WAKARU’s artworks, which I had seen before on X and as LINE stickers. The artist became popular through social media and switched from mainly working digitally to working on canvas after the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Next, I took in WAKARU’s artworks, which I had seen before on X and as LINE stickers. The artist became popular through social media and switched from mainly working digitally to working on canvas after the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic.

自分の描いた作品が幸せな空気感を届け、観た人に笑顔になってほしいという想いがありデジタルの作品もキャンバスの作品も一貫してニコニコした表情で、作品を見ていると自然と微笑んでいる自分がいました。クスッと笑ってしまうユーモアさがWAKARUさんの作品の特徴で、リアルな絵を通しても幸せな空気感が広がっていました。

She creates images to convey a sense of happiness, in the hope of putting a smile on the viewer’s face. All the figures in her works, whether digital or analog, were smiling pleasantly, which made me naturally do the same, in turn. WAKARU’s works are characterized by a sense of humor that makes the viewer chuckle, and even the more realistic images exuded joy.

She creates images to convey a sense of happiness, in the hope of putting a smile on the viewer’s face. All the figures in her works, whether digital or analog, were smiling pleasantly, which made me naturally do the same, in turn. WAKARU’s works are characterized by a sense of humor that makes the viewer chuckle, and even the more realistic images exuded joy.

She creates images to convey a sense of happiness, in the hope of putting a smile on the viewer’s face. All the figures in her works, whether digital or analog, were smiling pleasantly, which made me naturally do the same, in turn. WAKARU’s works are characterized by a sense of humor that makes the viewer chuckle, and even the more realistic images exuded joy.

次に目に留まったのが沖縄県出身の作家、知念岳さん。自身のアイデンティティやルーツである沖縄の固有の人や植物、琉球民謡をモチーフに制作されています。日本古来の岩絵具で描かれる作品は奥ゆかしく繊細で、そして力強い印象があり、グッと作品に引き込まれます。沖縄の伝統や文化を継承し、現代的な解釈で表現する知念さんの作品からは沖縄文化への愛を感じます。

The next artist to draw my attention was Gaku Chinen from Okinawa. He works with motifs related to his identity and roots, such as the people and plants indigenous to Okinawa, and Ryukyu folk songs. The paintings, created with traditional Japanese mineral pigments, draw the viewer in by offering a sense of depth, subtlety, and dynamism. The artist’s works are imbued with Okinawan tradition and culture, with a contemporary interpretation, and convey Chinen’s love for his Okinawan heritage.

The next artist to draw my attention was Gaku Chinen from Okinawa. He works with motifs related to his identity and roots, such as the people and plants indigenous to Okinawa, and Ryukyu folk songs. The paintings, created with traditional Japanese mineral pigments, draw the viewer in by offering a sense of depth, subtlety, and dynamism. The artist’s works are imbued with Okinawan tradition and culture, with a contemporary interpretation, and convey Chinen’s love for his Okinawan heritage.

The next artist to draw my attention was Gaku Chinen from Okinawa. He works with motifs related to his identity and roots, such as the people and plants indigenous to Okinawa, and Ryukyu folk songs. The paintings, created with traditional Japanese mineral pigments, draw the viewer in by offering a sense of depth, subtlety, and dynamism. The artist’s works are imbued with Okinawan tradition and culture, with a contemporary interpretation, and convey Chinen’s love for his Okinawan heritage.

WHAT CAFEは月に1回の頻度で展覧会が開催され、いつ訪れても新しい作品に出会えます。展示されている作品の大きさや金額も幅が広く、初めてアート作品を購入しようと検討している方にも最適な場所です。展覧会場は開放的で誰でもオープンに入れる場所なので、ふらっと立ち寄って時間があればじっくりと鑑賞することもできます。気兼ねなく自分のペースでアートに触れ合えるWHAT CAFEで、自分の感性と向き合ってみるのはいかがでしょうか。

WHAT CAFE holds monthly exhibitions, offering an opportunity to encounter new artworks whenever you visit. The exhibited artworks vary in size and price, making the venue a perfect place for first-time art buyers. The large space is open to all and allows for you to casually stop by and spend as long as you like viewing the artworks, if you have the time. Come and tune into your sensibilities at WHAT CAFE, a place to engage with art freely and at your own pace.