Where do we come from and where do we return to? A couple’s journey through time and space on a short summer night.

On June 25, for three days only, DDD Art presents “Two Lights and a Promenade”, a solo exhibition by Koharu Kawakatsu. As dusk fades, Koharu Kawakatsu’s dioramas emerge from the darkness and intermittent narratives unfold within the space, inviting the audience to her internal realm. Kawakatsu uses kitschy spatial images, figures and photo collages to show bugs in human cognition while satirizing society’s fixed ideas.

Past works include “The Birth of Neo-Japanese Stars–Reconsidering Stereotypes about the Treatment of Unwanted Hair” (January 25, 26, 2014), which satirized the stereotypes about unwanted hair. Another notable work is “DNA @the girl’s room” (May 30, 2015-June 13, 2015), which played with the value and superiority of human beings through through the buying and selling of DNA. Kawakatsu’s exhibitions have consistently challenged existing values.

“Two Lights and a Promenade,” is Kawakatsu’s first solo exhibition in ten years, and unlike her previous works, it serves as a place for her to reaffirm her own space, akin to a “zero point”

The concept of the exhibition, a love story between a male and a female beetle is based on her childhood experiences. The rhinoceros beetles are arranged to symbolize human society and activities. The dioramas and drawings created in this exhibition allow viewers to experience Kawakatsu’s internal world while also incorporating their own interpretations, making the work interactive.

Peering into the insect cage, Kawakatsu blends real experiences, knowledge and imagination to create a world seen from a bird’s eye view. From the outside perspective, separate from the rest of the world, we can reacquaint ourselves with the systems of human society. Just as humans observe animals, plants and insects, we can contemplate broader forms of existence and ways of being beyond the individual.

Come and experience Koharu Kawakatsu’s “zero point” work, which seeks to understand the truth of this world by recognizing our existence as individuals within the microcosm of society.

Profile | Koharu Kawakatsu

An installation artist, curator and art producer. Since 2010, Kawakatsu has been focusing on “bugs in human cognition,” exploring themes such as  gender, genes,  definitions of superiority and inferiority, community, phenomena, origins of life and consciousness.

As a curator, she began with the “Omotesando Convenience Store” exhibition featuring 69 artists in 2013 and has organized exhibitions of painters and sculptors while collaborating with installation artists and performers.In recent years, she has hosted “Banana Night,” an art social event that reminds people of their roots.She also runs “Mannen Soko,” a rest house for creators located in Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Event

Opening Reception:

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 18:00-21:00

Talk Sessions:

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 8:30 pm – 9 pm
“Viewing the Exhibition: One’s Place and Relationships with Others” e”
Speakers: Koharu Kawakatsu. Kaito Isozaki

Thursday, June 27, 2024 8 pm – 9 pm
“Where Do We Come From? Who Are We? Where Are We Going?”
Speakers: Koharu Kawakatsu, Aoi Suwa, Taku Utsumi

Exhibition Details

Exhibition name | Two Lights and a Promenade

Gallery Location | DDD ART Garden 4-41-12 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 155-0032

Transportation | 10-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station, 15-minute walk from Sangenjaya Station, 1-minute walk from Daizawa Elementary School Station

Date | Tuesday, June 25th, 2024.Wednesday, June 26th, 2024. 27th [Thu]

Opening hours | 6 pm – 9 pm

Admission fee | Free

Contact | mannensoko@gmail.com Koharu Kawakatsu

Cooperation | Hiroko Shimada, Aoi Suwa, Ginga Naka, Momoko Hashino, takachrome,

Equipment | Motoko Shimada, Kiichi Kingyoya, Shiori Watanabe, Motokuni Sakaguchi

Information

Start: Jun 25th 2024 at 6:00pm

End: Jun 27th 2024 at 9:00pm

DDD ART Garden

4-41-12 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku