Sakura Yabe "Born Visible —That Must Be Something Special"
Kohtoh
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Artists
Sakura Yabe
Kohtoh is pleased to present a solo exhibition by Sakura Yabe, “Born Visible — That Must Be Something Special.” Yabe, who completed her MFA in Lacquer Art at Tokyo University of the Arts in 2023, creates works across a diverse range of media including lacquer, painting, wood carving, and relief. Rooted in her early training in lacquer art, she has continued to expand her practice through various forms of expression.
Lacquer art, a traditional technique that has long been central to Japanese culture, has evolved through generations of makers who have explored its possibilities. In a similar spirit, Yabe pursues new expressions of lacquer in a contemporary context, guided by her appreciation for nature and her deep interest in art.
Her works are characterized by a quiet and unpretentious beauty inherent to craft, often featuring motifs such as imaginary creatures—symbols of freedom for the artist—as well as angel wings and butterflies. These elements evoke a warm and deeply narrative world.
During her studies, Yabe also spent time in Sweden, where she encountered Nordic craft traditions and folk art. This experience became a significant turning point in her practice. Immersed in a culture where art—ranging from classical painting to religious works—is naturally integrated into daily life, she came to realize that lacquer, too, could exist as something more intimate and accessible within everyday living.
This exhibition focuses exclusively on her lacquer works, presenting pieces that have emerged organically from her thoughts and sensibilities. As expressed in her statement—“I want to savor happiness in a faint, singular moment of uplift”—we invite you to experience the quiet, enduring sense of joy discovered through her gaze.
Lacquer art, a traditional technique that has long been central to Japanese culture, has evolved through generations of makers who have explored its possibilities. In a similar spirit, Yabe pursues new expressions of lacquer in a contemporary context, guided by her appreciation for nature and her deep interest in art.
Her works are characterized by a quiet and unpretentious beauty inherent to craft, often featuring motifs such as imaginary creatures—symbols of freedom for the artist—as well as angel wings and butterflies. These elements evoke a warm and deeply narrative world.
During her studies, Yabe also spent time in Sweden, where she encountered Nordic craft traditions and folk art. This experience became a significant turning point in her practice. Immersed in a culture where art—ranging from classical painting to religious works—is naturally integrated into daily life, she came to realize that lacquer, too, could exist as something more intimate and accessible within everyday living.
This exhibition focuses exclusively on her lacquer works, presenting pieces that have emerged organically from her thoughts and sensibilities. As expressed in her statement—“I want to savor happiness in a faint, singular moment of uplift”—we invite you to experience the quiet, enduring sense of joy discovered through her gaze.
Schedule Now in session | Apr 23 (Thu) 2026-May 10 (Sun) 2026 6 days left Opening Hours Information
Opening Reception Apr 24 (Fri) 2026 18:00 - 22:00 | ||||
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| Fee | Free | ||||
| Website | https://www.kohtoh-gallery.com/exhibition/yabesakura-born-visible | ||||
| Venue | Kohtoh https://www.kohtoh-gallery.com | ||||
| Location | 3F Kanda Bldg., 4-5 Kanda Nishifuku-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0037 | ||||
| Access | 5 minute walk from the South exit of Kanda Station on the JR Chuo, Keihin Tohoku and Yamanote lines. 5 minute walk from exit A1 at Iwamotocho Station on the Toei Shinjuku line. 7 minute walk from exit 8 at Shin-nihombashi Station on the JR Sobu line. | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it    |
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