The venue is not a typical art gallery,

but a café operated by a welfare facility with whom I have a meaningful connection.

(Setagaya Welfare Workshop, Setagaya Ward)

 

It is Ba-Wa Cafe,

a café delivering "happiness" with the concept of providing a "place" and "connections."

Ba-Wa Cafe

 

Google Map

(Thank you very much for this opportunity!)

 

Since it’s a “café” rather than a “gallery,”

you can enjoy the art with a cup of coffee in hand,

have casual conversations freely,

read a book, or simply relax and unwind.

 

It could be a quiet, peaceful time for you alone.

It could be an enjoyable time with friends.

It might even create an opportunity for strangers to connect.

 

Just imagining it,

all of these seem like warm and wonderful moments.

I hope you take your time and enjoy the experience.

 

Through this exhibition,

I hope to achieve the following three contributions:

 

①Rediscovering the beauty of direct human connection.

In recent times, our lifestyles have undergone significant changes.

Many have refrained from going out, traveling, or attending events,

opting instead for Zoom meetings and remote work from home.

 

These shifts have undoubtedly transformed people's values.

 

However, amidst these waves of change,

some things remain constant.

One of them is

the beauty of direct human connection.

 

Meeting face-to-face and communicating in person—

even as science and the internet continue to advance,

these opportunities may decrease in the future.

Yet, the value of these experiences will remain timeless.

 

This art exhibition will bring together a diverse group of people at the café.

Through these in-person encounters,

visitors can rediscover the unique joy of meeting others directly rather than through Zoom.

 

②Promoting Japanese art.

This exhibition serves as an opportunity

for those who previously had little connection to art

to discover that art is wonderful!

 

Such experiences not only broaden individual perspectives

but also contribute to elevating Japanese art on a broader scale.

(And by extension, positively impact the Japanese economy.)

 

③Raising awareness of welfare facilities in society.

This includes recognizing the existence of welfare facilities,

the individuals with disabilities who work there,

and the important role of Setagaya Welfare Workshop and Ba-Wa Cafe.

Increasing awareness among a wider audience is crucial.

 

This can serve as a starting point

for deeper reflection on society, others, and oneself.