We are pleased to announce that gallery UG will participate in the Fine Art Collection, held at Matsuzakaya Nagoya from Wednesday, July 8 to Monday, July 13, 2026.

The exhibition will feature a diverse selection of works by gallery UG represented artist Takaoki Tajima, including sculptures, paintings on canvas, and drawings.


"Takaoki TAJIMA — Transforming the World Through Humor"

Born into a family of Buddhist sculptors spanning five generations, Takaoki Tajima is an artist whose practice explores the fundamental question of how we perceive the world through sculpture, painting, and language.

While drawing inspiration from the legacy of modern sculptors such as Rodin, Churyo Sato, and Yasutake Funakoshi, the core of Tajima's artistic expression lies in the spirit of humor—transforming absurdity and melancholy into laughter.

His signature two-headed-proportion figures, standing in calm, neutral poses, and his characters with multifaceted expressions may appear playful at first glance. Beneath their lighthearted appearance, however, lies an honest reflection of truths quietly drawn from the ordinary moments of everyday life.

Moving fluidly between sculpture, two-dimensional works, and language, Tajima transforms even pessimistic themes into works imbued with wit and humor. This distinctive balance has earned him not only widespread recognition in Japan but also enthusiastic support throughout Asia and the broader international contemporary art scene.


We warmly invite you to visit our booth if you are in the area. We look forward to welcoming you.