NowHere Gallery hosts Pink Bunny, the upcoming solo exhibition by artist Maiko Kikuchi. The gallery’s final exhibition of the year, it runs from October 24 through November 24, 2024.

Waking Dreams

The unconscious is the wellspring of art. Ideas, some fully formed and some tantalizingly amorphous, bubble up from the dark ocean in our minds, all the time. It takes the artistic temperament to recognize, hone, and express the ones that cry out for it the most.

Dreams, perhaps the purest utterances of unconscious thought, have long been gifts to artists. From Renaissance stalwarts such as Raphael to 19th-century visionaries such as William Blake; surrealist mainstays such as Magritte to contemporary masters such as James Turrell, the fertile ground of the dreamscape has been a constant renewable resource for the creative act.

But what about daydreams? That sunlight cousin to the nightly dream, the daydream is equally capable of offering us jolts of inspiration, staggering us with unexpected juxtapositions, and equipping us with the tools to say what our unconscious is compelling us to say. The filmmaker David Lynch has long been proselytizing about the enormous potential daydreaming has for informing art. He has described it as a place where “all the thoughts just flow.”

But there is an essential difference between the daydream and the sleeping dream: One can be controlled and directed, at least to some degree, by the conscious mind, while the other holds us in its thrall and takes us wherever the id wishes to go. We can get lost inside a reverie, but we always have the power to change its course, adjust its focus, or hasten its pace. In this hybrid space between wakefulness and sleep, the artist might find incredible opportunities to enhance their work.

Maiko Kikuchi is an artist who has made harnessing her daydreams a central element of her practice. Her unique upbringing as the daughter of a practicing psychoanalyst in Japan gave her a deep and embedded understanding of the value of daydreaming, and her work—from paintings to collages to puppet-making to performance—relies on her ability to navigate and interpret the riddles offered to her by daydreams. By embracing dream logic and the twists of representation and narrative gifted to the artist by her subconscious, Kikuchi presents her audience with heavily personal art that’s riddled with archetypal imagery and moments. To briefly live inside her daydreams doesn’t only give us insight into her mind—it also invites us to look more closely at our own.

In addition to the exhibition, NowHere is hosting a series of live performances by Kikuchi on weekends throughout November. Register for the opening reception and choose a performance date at NowHere’s Eventbrite page. For more information about the exhibition, please visit the gallery’s website.

About Maiko Kikuchi

Maiko Kikuchi was influenced by her psychoanalyst father, becoming interested in the boundary between dreams and reality at a young age. When she was still little, she started creating art based on the idea of making “visible daydreams.” She received her B.A. in Theater Arts and Fashion Design from Musashino Art University in 2008, and she moved to the United States soon after to study fine art, receiving an M.F.A. in Sculpture from Pratt Institute in 2012. Her desire to broaden the expression of her daydreams led her to expand her practice to the theatre field in 2013.

As a visual artist, her work has been shown in an online solo exhibition entitled Daydreaming Monologist and the online group exhibition Finding Sanctuary, which was presented by Visionary Art Collective. Kikuchi’s other group exhibitions include shows at Ca’d’Oro Gallery (New York), Parasol Project (New York), HERE Art Center (New York), Jamestown Art Center (Rhode Island), J-Collabo (New York), and more.

Kikuchi also works in creative collaborations with various partners, making animations for musicians, theatre companies, and cultural organizations nationwide. She is currently a board member of The Jim Henson Foundation.

About NowHere

NowHere is a multipurpose hub for New York City-based Japanese creators from across all disciplines. The gallery exists to help emerging talent explore their maximum potential by providing them with the means to showcase their practice and expand their network. Just like the artists they serve, they emigrated to New York because this city is endlessly inspiring. By facilitating new art from a Japanese perspective, NowHere hopes to offer inspiration to New York in turn. Their mission is accomplished anew each time they are able to excite New York audiences with fresh energy and points of view.

Support JapanCulture•NYC by becoming a member! For $5 a month, you’ll help maintain the high quality of our site while we continue to showcase and promote the activities of our vibrant community. Please click here to begin your membership today!

Susan McCormac 10/13/23 Susan McCormac 10/13/23

Japan Society Spotlights Women Artists

Image: Products for Fluxus editions, 1964.

Digital Image © The Museum of Modern Art/Licensed by SCALA / Art Resource, NY

Out of Bounds: Japanese Women Artists in Fluxus

Friday, October 13 through Sunday, January 21

Japan Society – 333 E. 47th Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenues)

Admission: $12 | $10 Seniors and Students | Free Japan Society Members

Japan Society’s latest exhibition, Out of Bounds: Japanese Women Artists in Fluxus, explores the essential role of Japanese women in Fluxus, a movement instigated in the 1960s that helped contemporary artists define new modes of artistic expression. Near the 60th anniversary of the movement’s founding, this exhibition highlights the contributions of four pioneering Japanese artists: Shigeko Kubota, Yoko Ono, Takako Saito, and Mieko Shiomi. Displays of their works and the ephemera surrounding it contextualize their place within Fluxus and the broader artistic movements of the 1960s and beyond.

Out of Bounds: Japanese Women Artists in Fluxus is organized by guest curator Midori Yoshimoto and Tiffany Lambert, Curator and Interim Director, Japan Society, with Ayaka Iida, Assistant Curator, Japan Society.

For full details and to book your tickets, please visit Japan Society’s website.

Susan McCormac 10/5/23 Susan McCormac 10/5/23

NIJI-JAPANESE ARTIST POP UP SHOP TO HOLD MARKET AT RESOBOX

Autumn Japanese Maker’s Market

Sunday, October 22 from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

RESOBOX – 91 3rd Street (at 1st Avenue)

Admission: Free

Discover Japanese-inspired accessories and art at niji-Japanese Artist Pop Up Shop’s craft show at RESOBOX in the East Village.

Accessories such as earrings, necklaces, and more Japanese-inspired products will be on sale, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet the artists in person, hear their stories, and learn about the intricate details behind each item. Discover truly unique and creative works for yourself, or find the perfect gift for your loved ones.

To learn more about the vendors and reserve your spot, please visit niji-Japanese Artist Pop Up Shop’s Eventbrite page.

Participating Vendors

Chocolateclayyy – Polymer clay and resin jewelry and sculptures
Kazaria3 – Handmade hats made of used Japanese kimono fabric
Usagiduck – Stationery, apparel, and art prints of original character Usagiduck and their animal friends
Pucci Ropa Jewelry – Handmade sterling silver/brass jewelry in organic and abstract shapes
satokomatsu – “Word picture” jewelry
Hooks and Luxe – Accessories made from eco-friendly materials
Unipaca Studio – Handmade stationery items such as vinyl stickers, sticker sheets, and acrylic keychains
Karepango – Whimsical art that celebrates the satirical side of everyday life
TeaLoveCrochet – Knit and crocheted accessories inspired by food, Harajuku, and the artist’s Asian American culture
Poiful Rugs – Handcrafted rugs inspired by Japanese culture and nature
Fragrant Olive – Handmade soaps with Japanese koi fish and makeup bags using Japanese fabrics
Riverside Wrapping Co. – Mizuhiki (Japanese paper cords) accessories
Nappel – “Pop Up Sox” baby socks that are made of organic cotton and have 3D animal ears that “pop up”

Crafting Workshops

Before the event begins, there will be two crafting workshops from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Soap Making Workshop by Tamami

Cost: $30 (includes materials for two soaps)

Accomplished instructor Tamami, the founder of the esteemed handmade brand Fragrant Olive, will guide participants as they craft two unique handmade soaps: a rabbit soap with natural exfoliant and a teddy bear sandwich soap. To register, please visit niji-Japanese Artist Pop Up Shop’s website.

Let’s Make Teru Teru Bozu Ghost Amigurumi with Petrina/TeaLoveCrochet

Cost: $35 (includes yarn, crochet hook, and accessories)

“Amigurumi” is the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting small stuffed animals or toys using yarn and a hook or needles, often resulting in cute and charming creatures. A “teru teru bozu” is a Japanese talisman made to stop the rain and bring good weather. Petrina of TeaLoveCrochet will teach participants simple crochet stitches and how to read a pattern to make a cute teru teru bozu ghost, perfect for this spooky season! To register, please visit niji-Japanese Artist Pop Up Shop’s website.

Susan McCormac 9/8/23 Susan McCormac 9/8/23

TOKYO GEIDAI JAPAN ART WEEK

THE BRICKS NYC: 漸 – zén – TOKYO GEIDAI JAPAN ART WEEK

Friday, September 8 through Saturday, September 16

Opening Reception and Live Performance: Friday, September 8 at 6:00 p.m.

Blue Gallery – 222 E. 46th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues)

In collaboration with the Tokyo University of the Arts (known as Tokyo GEIDAI), THE BRICKS NYC will be presenting TOKYO GEIDAI JAPAN ART WEEK at the Blue Gallery. The week-long exhibition is the third for THE BRICKS NYC. Each year, organizers choose one kanji that represents the concept of the event. This year, they have selected 漸 (zen), which means “evolutionary” or “progressive.”

Along with New York-based artists, professors and postgraduates will represent the Crafts, Japanese Art, and Design departments from the diverse fields of study at Tokyo GEIDAI. They will showcase their modern Japanese works, which enhance traditional Japanese art techniques. Workshops, Japanese tea ceremony experience events, concerts, and a panel discussion will also be held during the exhibition period.

Related Events

Opening Night

Friday, September 8 at 6:00 p.m.

Admission: Free

To kick off the exhibition, participating artists will be on hand at the opening reception. Duo YUMENO will perform live at 7:00 p.m.

Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience

Saturday, September 9

1:00 p.m. | 2:30 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. (Limited to 15 guests per session)

Admission:＄30 per person for each session

Tokyo GEIDAI with Morin Soma and Kino Maho from the Urasenke New York School will serve matcha in an elegant, modern setting inspired by the traditional Chakai style. They will use the finest unique utensils from the Japanese traditional culture of matcha drinking. Tea will be served with a small seasonal wagashi (confectionery) from Japan.

To register, please visit THE BRICKS NYC’s Eventbrite page and select your desired session.

Harvest Moon Melodies Art Song Concert

Sunday, September 10 at 2:00 p.m.

Admission: $20 Adults | $50 Families (Two adults and children) | $20 Students

"Otsukimi" is a Japanese tradition in September to appreciate the full moon and to express gratitude for this year’s harvest and hope for the year to come. GEIDAI graduates Soprano Naoko Nakagawa and pianist Junko Ichikawa present art songs and piano music with the themes of the moon and autumn. The program includes Japanese traditional folk songs and art songs as well as selections from famous operas. All ages are welcome.

Designer Nana Yamasaki (YAMMA) will provide costumes, and jewelry artist Keiko Kubota-Miura will provide jewelry and accessories.

To purchase tickets, please visit THE BRICKS NYC’s Eventbrite page.

JAA Maui Relief Fund Panel Q&A

Monday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m.

JAA Hall – 49 W. 45th Street, 5th Floor (between 5th and 6th Avenues)

Admission: $30 (Profits will be donated to the JAA Maui Relief Fund)

Special guest Yasunori Tanioka, a professor at the Tokyo University of the Arts, will lead a panel discussion based on the theme “Potential Roles of Japanese Art for Society.” Participating panelists include jewelry artist Keiko Kubota-Miura, Nihonga artist Takashi Harada, and composer Satoshi Kanazawa. The discussion will be in Japanese.

To register, please visit THE BRICKS NYC’s Eventbrite page.

Silver Leaf Workshop

Friday, September 15 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 16 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Admission: $250 for both days | $150 for September 15 only

Norihiko Saito, a professor in the Tokyo University of the Arts Department of Japanese Painting, will lead a two-day workshop focusing on basic application and advanced techniques using silver leaf. The workshop covers how to apply super-thin Japanese silver leaf on a painting. Saito will lecture about the decorativeness and understanding of "Ma” (space) in Japanese paintings. Participants can attend Day 1 only but must attend both days to complete their own hands-on work. Attending Day 2 only is not offered. Limited to 12 participants.

To register, please visit THE BRICKS NYC’s Eventbrite page.

Closing Event: Live Jazz and Sake Tasting

Saturday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m.

Admission: $30

The Yoshiki Miura Jazz Quartet will perform with special guest Asako Tamura (soprano). A sake tasting will be led by SAKE GENERATION Inc.

To purchase tickets, please visit THE BRICKS NYC’s Eventbrite page.

New York-Based Artists

Ushio Shinohara
Mizue Sawano
Keiko Kubota-Miura
Atsushi Ohashi
Takashi Harada
Rica Takashima
Mayumi Ohashi

Professors and Postgraduates from the Tokyo University of the Arts

Department of Crafts
Hiroki Iwata
Tomomi Maruyama
Hikaru Kamata
Yasunori Tanioka
Norihiko Ogura
Ryo Mikami
Nobuyuki Fujiwara
Nanako Yamada
Miyuki Imai
Mariko Saji
Ayumi Kubo
Heesoo Kim
Kie Imai
Shinnosuke Kameoka
Minako Nakai
Itsuki Hayano
Luwei Shan
Hiromu Noda

Department of Japanese Painting
Norihiko Saito
Killi Okaji
Naho Uno
Tianyi Chin
Kohei Sakamoto
Daisuke Takamori
Akane Yamamoto
Kumpei Yoshikawa
Department of Design
Kazuyuki Hashimoto
Manami Washino
Midori Takai
Yamamoto Hikaru
Shuri Tsuruta

TOKYO GEIDAI JAPAN ART WEEK is hosted by the Tokyo University of the Arts and THE BRICKS NYC with support from Tokyo University of the Arts Alumni Association of New York; Yoshino Gypsum Co., Ltd; Blue Building; WAON NY; het Lab Music & Arts; and SAKE GENERATION, Inc.

About THE BRICKS NYC

THE BRICKS is a nexus for arts and music comprised of Tokyo University of the Arts (GEIDAI) alumni. The alumni have been individually active in and around New York but decided to come together to launch THE BRICKS in the Fall of 2021. GEIDAI is the only national university in Japan that offers solely fine arts and music education, allowing the group to focus on celebrating the interdisciplinary mesh of different art styles.

The name "BRICKS” was inspired by red buildings on the grounds of Tokyo University of the Arts in Ueno, Tokyo. Commonly known as "Aka-renga,” the buildings have stood since the early Meiji era.

Generations of talented artists entered the history-filled bricks of the Blue Building, reminding alumni of a time when their community was filled with diverse musicians and artists.

For more information, please visit the group’s website.

Gallery Hours

Daily from noon until 7:30 p.m.
Except Friday, September 8 (open at 6:00 p.m.) and Monday, September 11 (closes at 5:30 p.m.)

Susan McCormac 7/26/23 Susan McCormac 7/26/23

NowHere Gallery to Exhibit Works by Yoichiro Yoda

Yoichiro Yoda: The Crossing

Thursday, July 27 through Sunday, August 27

Opening Reception: Thursday, July 27 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

NowHere – 40 Wooster Street (between Grand and Broome Streets)

Admission: Free

SoHo gallery NowHere will host the exhibition The Crossing with recent artworks by New York-based Japanese painter Yoichiro Yoda.

About the Artist

Born in Kagawa, Japan, and raised in New York City, Yoichiro Yoda is an artist who is driven by fixations and obsessions. Like a storyteller of mythic tales, he has created an entire cosmology from the topics, places, and people that prey on his mind. This pantheon includes everything from old movie palaces to the stately days of luxury sea travel to George Washington and his legendary deeds to a young woman Yoda met once at a theater years ago. By deploying these things across his paintings—by bringing them to life—Yoda shows us the topology of a world of his own creation.

*The Long Room (Fraunces Tavern)* by Yoichiro Yoda

Compressing History

In Yoda’s reality, history is compressed, manipulated, and adorned. The eras of silent films and the Revolutionary War live side-by-side here, connected at first by the tenuous fibers of simply being paintings by the same artist. But as we see the work all together, we find common thematic concerns. Nostalgia, for one thing, is prominent. But it’s an uncanny sort of nostalgia in which things feel slightly off, misremembered, or interpreted to the point of being just strange enough that mere sentimentality, a pitfall of much nostalgia, is left behind.

Unique Sense of Humor

Yoichiro Yoda, in some ways, lives in different times at once. His loving offerings to the memories of New York’s grand movie theaters of the past, crossed with his thoroughly contemporary comics work, in which we are treated to his quite unique sense of humor, are both of our era and not. For Yoichiro Yoda, the world is haunted by the ghosts of then and now. Learn more about Yoda at his website.

Space is limited at the opening reception, so please reserve your spot through NowHere’s Eventbrite page.

*Eliza’s Birthday Party* by Yoichiro Yoda

About NowHere

NowHere is a hub for emerging Japanese artists. The focus of the SoHo gallery is on creatives who come from Japan to New York City, whether for a visit or to stay. They feature work from a broad spectrum of media, from digital to fashion, culinary arts to photography, and everything in between. NowHere is dedicated to building community and expanding their artists’ networks.

NowHere is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. No appointment required.

For more information, please visit NowHere’s website.

NowHere Gallery’s Final Exhibition of the Year

Maiko Kikuchi: Pink Bunny

Waking Dreams

About Maiko Kikuchi

About NowHere

Japan Society Spotlights Women Artists

Out of Bounds: Japanese Women Artists in Fluxus

NIJI-JAPANESE ARTIST POP UP SHOP TO HOLD MARKET AT RESOBOX

Autumn Japanese Maker’s Market

Participating Vendors

Crafting Workshops

TOKYO GEIDAI JAPAN ART WEEK

THE BRICKS NYC: 漸 – zén – TOKYO GEIDAI JAPAN ART WEEK

Related Events

New York-Based Artists

Professors and Postgraduates from the Tokyo University of the Arts

About THE BRICKS NYC

Gallery Hours

NowHere Gallery to Exhibit Works by Yoichiro Yoda

Yoichiro Yoda: The Crossing

About the Artist

Compressing History

Unique Sense of Humor

About NowHere

LEARN MORE