We are pleased to announce that gallery UG Tennoz will hold a solo exhibition of Takayuki NIWA's works entitled "Amanohara(Field of liberty)" from January 20 (Fri.) to February 4 (Sat.).
This is his 12th year as an exclusive member of our gallery, but surprisingly it will be his first solo exhibition in Tennozu. NIWA says, "I have always had a desire to express human karma in a silly way and make people laugh with my works.
He has been using "ordinary people" as models to exaggerate human behavior through extreme facial expressions and movements. The "Clean Man" series, which he has been creating continuously in recent years, symbolizes the moment when a middle-aged man relaxes at home, free from the tension of the eyes of the world.
The word "karma" evokes images of karma, karmic greed, and various other negative Japanese words. However, the expression of anxiety, fear, anger, sorrow, and joy, along with hints of hope, and bold expression and lightness of figures, always sits together and makes us want to shout out in joy, even if we are a bit confused at the moment we see it.
In this exhibition, "a game" is illustrated for the first time, which the theme is "an old man wearing only underpants is running around on a grassy field".
Through this game, the viewer becomes united with the underwear guy atmosphere and experiences funny, yet sublime performances. In that moment, anyone may become a God for a moment. Please come visit the gallery, and enjoy the game.
Finally got off from work, heading home like I'm running away from there.
Pedestrians coming into my sight.
Recalling something that has been burned into my memories, thinking,
"Perhaps, that person was God."
Got home, playing a game like I'm escaping into it.
A game an old guy running on the field wearing nothing but underwear.
"I mean, the world is so hard. So maybe I should run around only with my underwear then."
Takayuki NIWA
