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Yosuke Kobashi "New Balance"
Gallery Momo Ryogoku
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Yosuke Kobashi
Gallery Momo Ryogoku is pleased to present "New Balance", a solo exhibition by Yosuke Kobashi, from June 21 to July 12, 2025.
Born in Nara in 1980, Kobashi graduated from Osaka University of Arts. He gained early recognition for his vivid use of color and expressive compositions with his participation in the Kobe Art Annual (2004), a solo show at Art Tower Mito’s “Criterion” program (2006), and selection for the VOCA exhibition. Since then, he has actively exhibited across Japan and abroad, including notable shows such as "Nostalgia & Fantasy: Imagination in Contemporary Art" at The National Museum of Art, Osaka (2014), and "Personal View: Ryutaro Takahashi Collection" at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (2024).
His long-running "self-portrait" series, started in his early career, is known for its dynamic expressions and vibrant colors reminiscent of Gauguin and the flowing lines of Matisse. These nude self-depictions in harmony with nature offer a sense of liberation to the viewer.
Since 2018, his subject matter has gradually shifted from himself to those around him—people, plants, and animals—stripping away ideologies intentionally in favor of open, uncategorized expressions. Though seemingly lighthearted and optimistic, Kobashi’s work embraces diversity and inclusivity, reflecting the spirit of our times through both content and presentation.
In this exhibition, he presents new works inspired by recent changes to his body and lifestyle. After relocating from Tokyo to Odawara, Kobashi developed gout, quit drinking, and dramatically changed his diet. These physical and lifestyle shifts culminated in a new "self-portrait", his first in about five years. As he puts it, “I could accept myself a little more once I painted it,” this work represents a different process of self-acceptance.
Through his ever-evolving daily life and bodily transformations, Kobashi continues to explore new "balances" through painting, creating an open space for viewers to engage with. We hope you will enjoy experiencing his present state through these new works.
Born in Nara in 1980, Kobashi graduated from Osaka University of Arts. He gained early recognition for his vivid use of color and expressive compositions with his participation in the Kobe Art Annual (2004), a solo show at Art Tower Mito’s “Criterion” program (2006), and selection for the VOCA exhibition. Since then, he has actively exhibited across Japan and abroad, including notable shows such as "Nostalgia & Fantasy: Imagination in Contemporary Art" at The National Museum of Art, Osaka (2014), and "Personal View: Ryutaro Takahashi Collection" at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (2024).
His long-running "self-portrait" series, started in his early career, is known for its dynamic expressions and vibrant colors reminiscent of Gauguin and the flowing lines of Matisse. These nude self-depictions in harmony with nature offer a sense of liberation to the viewer.
Since 2018, his subject matter has gradually shifted from himself to those around him—people, plants, and animals—stripping away ideologies intentionally in favor of open, uncategorized expressions. Though seemingly lighthearted and optimistic, Kobashi’s work embraces diversity and inclusivity, reflecting the spirit of our times through both content and presentation.
In this exhibition, he presents new works inspired by recent changes to his body and lifestyle. After relocating from Tokyo to Odawara, Kobashi developed gout, quit drinking, and dramatically changed his diet. These physical and lifestyle shifts culminated in a new "self-portrait", his first in about five years. As he puts it, “I could accept myself a little more once I painted it,” this work represents a different process of self-acceptance.
Through his ever-evolving daily life and bodily transformations, Kobashi continues to explore new "balances" through painting, creating an open space for viewers to engage with. We hope you will enjoy experiencing his present state through these new works.
Schedule | Jun 21 (Sat) 2025-Jul 12 (Sat) 2025 Opening Hours Information
Opening Reception Jun 21 (Sat) 2025 17:00 - 19:00 | ||||
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| Fee | Free | ||||
| Venue | Gallery Momo Ryogoku https://en.gallery-momo.com/  | ||||
| Location | 1-7-15 Kamezawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0014 | ||||
| Access | 1 minute walk from exit A3 at Ryogoku Station on the Toei Oedo line, 5 minute walk from the East exit of Ryogoku Station on the JR Sobu line. | ||||
| Phone | 03-3621-6813 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it |
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