Exhibition/event has ended.
Shiori Watanabe "Ohoyake / Filial 1 hybrid"
Yu Harada
Finished
SHARE
Artists
Shiori Watanabe
Through two different series, this exhibition poses fundamental questions about the ‘forms’ that surround us, such as the body and institutions, individuals and genealogy, and nature and technology.
About the ‘Ohoyake’ series
‘Ohoyake’ is a project that visualises the figures of successive emperors as glass Noh masks.
“Ohoyake” refers to the imperial palace (dairi) in ancient times, and in the concept of ‘public,’ it also implies a ‘large house (yake)’ where the community gathers. This symbolism is also carried on in the style of the roof of the Noh stage. Watanabe uses the multi-layered meaning of this word as a clue to capture the emperor as an ‘existence torn between the ecosystem and anthropocentrism’ and sublimates his image into a transparent glass Noh mask.
In addition to the three modern emperors (Meiji, Taisho, and Showa) already announced, this exhibition will feature three new emperors from among the 25 emperors before whom there is no definite historical record: Jimmu, Jinguu, and Chuai, for a total of six pieces. This work, where reality and symbolism, institution and body, history and fiction intersect, quietly brings to light the invisible structure contained within the concept of ‘Ohoyake.’
About the “Filial 1 hybrid” series
“Filial 1 hybrid” is a work that regenerates F1 hybrid vegetables sold in supermarkets, blooms flowers, and records their ‘reproductive organs.’
F1 varieties are the first generation of hybrids created by crossing two fixed varieties, produced in an optimised form for uniform germination, growth, and harvest. However, in the next generation, known as F2 varieties, genetic variation occurs, leading to a loss of uniformity in taste and shape, making home cultivation difficult, and they rarely appear on the market.
Watanabe subverts these economic and biological constraints by regenerating F1 vegetables as ‘Reborn Vegetables’ and capturing the moment when their ‘flowers’ bloom as reproductive organs in photographs. This exhibition features works using garlic, documenting the tension between artificial crossbreeding and control versus the vitality of nature through a serene yet provocative perspective.
About the ‘Ohoyake’ series
‘Ohoyake’ is a project that visualises the figures of successive emperors as glass Noh masks.
“Ohoyake” refers to the imperial palace (dairi) in ancient times, and in the concept of ‘public,’ it also implies a ‘large house (yake)’ where the community gathers. This symbolism is also carried on in the style of the roof of the Noh stage. Watanabe uses the multi-layered meaning of this word as a clue to capture the emperor as an ‘existence torn between the ecosystem and anthropocentrism’ and sublimates his image into a transparent glass Noh mask.
In addition to the three modern emperors (Meiji, Taisho, and Showa) already announced, this exhibition will feature three new emperors from among the 25 emperors before whom there is no definite historical record: Jimmu, Jinguu, and Chuai, for a total of six pieces. This work, where reality and symbolism, institution and body, history and fiction intersect, quietly brings to light the invisible structure contained within the concept of ‘Ohoyake.’
About the “Filial 1 hybrid” series
“Filial 1 hybrid” is a work that regenerates F1 hybrid vegetables sold in supermarkets, blooms flowers, and records their ‘reproductive organs.’
F1 varieties are the first generation of hybrids created by crossing two fixed varieties, produced in an optimised form for uniform germination, growth, and harvest. However, in the next generation, known as F2 varieties, genetic variation occurs, leading to a loss of uniformity in taste and shape, making home cultivation difficult, and they rarely appear on the market.
Watanabe subverts these economic and biological constraints by regenerating F1 vegetables as ‘Reborn Vegetables’ and capturing the moment when their ‘flowers’ bloom as reproductive organs in photographs. This exhibition features works using garlic, documenting the tension between artificial crossbreeding and control versus the vitality of nature through a serene yet provocative perspective.
Schedule | Jun 14 (Sat) 2025-Jul 13 (Sun) 2025 Opening Hours Information
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | Free | ||||
| Website | https://www.yuharada.com/en/exhibitions/shiori-watanabe-solo-exhibition | ||||
| Venue | Yu Harada https://www.yuharada.com/en | ||||
| Location | 10-10 Sumiyoshicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0065 | ||||
| Access | 4 minute walk from exit A2 at Akebonobashi Station on the Toei Shinjuku line, 12 minute walk from the Kawada exit of Wakamatsu-kawada Station on the Toei Oedo line. | ||||
| Phone | 090-6001-1880 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it |
Back to Articles
SHARE
No comments yet