marihiraga
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During my exhibition trip to South Korea, I was invited by a local artist to take part in an impromptu ceramic painting session. The resulting work was displayed at Gimpo Janggi Library from October 23 to 31.
I am grateful to the teacher at the art village who beautifully fired the piece.
On November 26, the exhibition director and one of the participants kindly brought the work to Kobe, and I also joined another of their projects on that day. I look forward to future collaborations.
The ceramic was later exhibited at my solo exhibition starting December 6.
( 2024.12.31 )
Thankfulness
The “Interconnected Universe” exhibition has successfully closed.
Thank you for everything!!
( 2024.12.21 )
Three-Day Solo Exhibition
The “Interconnected Universe” exhibition is about to begin.
It will be held across two spaces, Rose103 and Rose104, at Gallery Magnet.
( 2024.12.6 )
Encore Event
In response to requests, a different version of the live sculpture art performance presented at the previous exhibition will also be performed at the December exhibition, “Interconnected Universe.”
This time, following the performance, a small party will be held to express gratitude and allow for relaxed conversation. Light refreshments such as mildly sweet jujube tea blended with maple syrup and ginger, as well as pecan nut chocolates, etc, will be served.
Contributions are welcome, and we warmly invite you to join us.
**Art Performance & Party**
Saturday, December 7, 14:30–
The art performance itself lasts approximately 10 minutes
( 2024.11.24 )
Upcoming Solo Exhibition
The next solo exhibition will be held at Rose103 and Rose104 of GALLERY MAGNET in the Kobe Kitano Rose Garden.
- Two spaces with different atmospheres will be used.
- The images were taken during the venue preview in summer.
( 2024.11.16 )
Gratitude
The “Blossom of Understanding” exhibition has successfully closed.
Thank you sincerely to all who attended.
Although the busy schedule prevented me from speaking at length with many visitors, I am truly grateful for your presence.
Next month, another solo exhibition will be held in Kitano, utilizing two adjacent spaces with a different atmosphere. I hope you will join us if possible.
MH Solo Exhibition “Interconnected Universe”
December 6-8, 11:00–19:00
@ Rose Garden 1F, GALLERY MAGNET
2-8-15, Yamamotodori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo
( 2024.11.15 )
Exhibition Events
The events of the “Blossom of Understanding” exhibition have successfully concluded. Sincere thanks to all who attended the art performance and dialogue sessions.
In the live performance, Mari Hiraga created sculptures inspired by “shinden-zukuri” architecture of the Heian period and interpretations of Kobe.
In the dialogue, Mr. Takahisa Kato spoke on broader and fundamental themes, while Mr. Yukihiro Kikuchi shared valuable insights on Kobe’s cityscape and urban development. These discussions provided perspectives relevant not only to Kobe but also to contemporary Japan.
A video recorded by former NHK cameraman Mr. Eiji Hashiyama is currently being edited and will be released in due course.
My “nohkan” teacher kindly played in advance and allowed to record the piece “Sagariha,” which is performed in Noh, specifically for this event. I am deeply grateful for his generous support.
It is an honor that my project was realized in this way. I am deeply grateful for the connections that made it possible.
( 2024.11.15 )
Exhibition Overview
The “Blossom of Understanding” exhibition by Mari Hiraga is a fusion of contemporary art and history.
The exhibition combines the “Anthropomorphic” series created for this event, themed on Kobe’s classics, with the ongoing “Memory” series. The works and accompanying conceptual poetry reflect Kobe’s landscapes, natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical context.
Anthropomorphism Series: Using metal as the main material, the human world is expressed through nature, along with an anthropomorphic perspective
Memory Series: Using memory as a theme, the expression focuses not only on the perspective of recollection, but also from a systematic perspective.
Exhibition Statement
As this is Mari Hiraga’s first solo exhibition in Kobe, she wishes to make it meaningful and special as an artist born and raised in the city. Deeply inspired by Japanese classics, she seeks to project her interpretations and narratives into her works, connecting them to her identity and direction as a Kobe-based artist.
Kobe, with its favorable environment for sake brewing, is home to the renowned Nada Gogo. Historically, the region has been linked to mythology, rice cultivation, and Shinto shrines, even influencing the origin of the name Kobe.
The city’s proximity to both mountains and sea has nurtured diverse cultures, supported by fertile land, hot springs, trade ports, and shrines vital to navigation. Sites such as Fukuhara-kyo and Kyogashima played important roles, connecting to Kobe’s identity as a design city today.
Since the Meiji Restoration, Kobe has opened its port, absorbed foreign cultures, endured air raids and earthquakes, and overcome hardships to rebuild. Now is the time to reclaim Kobe’s uniqueness and strengthen its identity.
To achieve this, it is essential to learn from the past to understand the present and future.
Exhibition Events
Events will be held on Sunday, November 10, 2024.
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2024.11.10 (Sun) 14:00 - 16:30 1. Art performance by Mari Hiraga 2. Dialogue with Special guests: Exploring the past to connect Kobe’s charm to the future | Overview | Art performance The various parts of the sculpture are assembled like ikebana to create a sculpture that is 2m wide It expresses dramatic Nohkan instrumental music and space Event Venue：1F Dialogue Title "Observing the Past, Considering the Future: The Importance of Connecting Kobe's Appeal to the Future" We aim to delve deeper into Kobe's uniqueness and charm by reflecting on history, ensuring it carries forward into the future. We will invite special guests to unravel the charm of Kobe history from a wide variety of perspectives We would like the talk to compare different ages and discuss "The past, present, and future of Kobe" We believe that learning from the past is useful for Kobe town development moving forward We will move to the dialogue after the art performance We will move to the 2nd floor for the dialogue after the art performance Event Venue：2F Dialogue guests Takahisa Kato, Honorary Chief Shinto Priest of Ikuta Shrine and Elder of the Association of Shinto Shrines, will discuss past and present Kobe in a knowledgeable way, looking at history going back to AD 201 Yukihiro Kikuchi, former owner of fashion buildings Ijinkan-club who was involved in town development in the Kitano district of Kobe Supports Eiji Hashiyama, Representative Director of the Eizo-Tsushin General Incorporated Association : Photographing scenes from the event on the day Morita school flutist of Noh play : providing the audio source to be used during the art performance Entry is free of charge The art performance will be held for approximately 30 minutes on the first floor of the gallery The dialogue will be held for approximately two hours on the second floor of the gallery |
Member Profiles
Dialogue
Mr. Takahisa Kato:
Honorary Chief Priest of Ikuta Shrine and Elder of the Association of Shinto Shrines. Born in Okayama in 1934. Graduate of Konan University and Kokugakuin University Graduate School. Author of numerous works on Shinto and Kobe history, including “Ikuta no Mori and the Origins of Minato Kobe” and “Motoyoshi Hiraga: Life and Poetry.” He has also led international cultural exchange through overseas performances of Japanese folk arts.
Mr. Yukihiro Kikuchi:
Former owner of Ijinkan Club. Born in Hyogo in 1946. Graduate of Konan University, Faculty of Economics. Opened the fashion building Ijinkan Club in Kitano, attracting many tenants and playing a key role in transforming Kitano from a residential area into a commercial district. He later managed several other fashion buildings.
Mari Hiraga:
Sculptor. Born in Hyogo in 1983. Graduate of Osaka University of Arts and its postgraduate program. Developed a unique style combining modeling techniques with linear metal expression. His works elevate thought into organic expression, portraying human society through anthropomorphic perspectives and nature. He seeks to re-examine Japanese aesthetics and create a new cultural expression that combines tradition and originality.
Collaborators
Mr. Eiji Hashiyama:
Representative Director of the Visual Communication Association. Born in Fukuoka. Graduate of Kyushu University. Joined NHK in 1961 as a news cameraman, filming programs such as "Silk Road" and "New Japan Travelogue." Later served as President of Total Vision Kansai Co., Ltd. Currently produces documentary films on traditional events and historical landscapes in Kansai.
Noh Flutist:
A distinguished "nohkan" master of the Morita school, he has been Mari Hiraga’s teacher since the time she was captivated by his sound and requested to study under him.
( 2024.10.18 )
Blossom of Understanding
( 2024.10.16 )
Meeting
I had a meeting for the talk event at Ikuta Shrine.
Afterwards, I took a walk in the forest, Ikuta-no-Mori, mentioned in various poetry collections and Noh chants, Utai.
( 2024.10.11 )
Visit to a Traditional House
Today, I visited a traditional Japanese house as a potential studio site and viewed various cultural artifacts.
Among them were swords from the Nanboku-chō to Azuchi-Momoyama periods, with Photo 1 showing a Muromachi-period sword.
The blade pattern of the sword in Photo 2, said to have been received from Oda Nobunaga, conveyed a sense of resolute purity and was truly captivating.
Afterwards, I visited Minume Shrine.
( 2024.10.6 )
Simulation
Photographed by: Mr. Eiji Hashiyama.
Yesterday, I conducted various simulations of the art performance.
( 2024.10.2 )
Change of Event Date
⚠️
The event date has been rescheduled to Sunday, November 10.
Please note that the program has been adjusted, with the venue divided according to each event.
Art Performance：1F
Dialogue: 2F
( 2024.9.24 )
Meeting
Yesterday and today, I had meetings in various directions.
Yesterday, I went to Mr. Kikuchi's office for an interview.
( 2024.9.24 )
Face-to-Face Meeting
Today, accompanied by Mr. Yukihiro Kikuchi, I visited Ikuta Shrine to meet Mr. Takahisa Kato in preparation for the November dialogue event.
We also had the opportunity to watch “Takigi Noh,” part of the Autumn Grand Festival, featuring performances such as “Aoi-no-Ue” and “Suma Genji.”
“Aoi no Ue” is based on the “Aoi” chapter of Murasaki Shikibu’s “The Tale of Genji.” In his remarks, the Honorary Chief Priest spoke about the connection between Ikuta Shrine and Noh, which was highly engaging.
We plan to meet again soon to discuss the content and flow of the dialogue.
( 2024.9.19 )
Meeting
The plans for the solo exhibition scheduled for November are steadily taking shape.
This exhibition will be held throughout the first floor of the Flora Gallery in Kitano, with a series of special events on Saturday, November 9.
Further details will be announced later.
Please look forward to it.
( 2024.8.26 )
Venue Preview
A preview of the venue for my upcoming solo exhibition in my hometown of Kobe. Both the Rose Garden and Kitano Alley are early architectural works by Tadao Ando.
( 2024.8.1 )
Meeting
I have made arrangements for a solo exhibition in my hometown of Kobe.
( 2024.6.10 )
Chain of joy and kindness
Taiwan always brings exciting and joyful encounters, and it seems I share a natural affinity with the place.
At the art fair, many visitors stopped to view my works, showing great interest and offering kind words, which was deeply gratifying.
The staff members worked with professionalism, constantly explaining the works and introducing the artists, while dedicated volunteers supported the fair behind the scenes.
Such exhibitions, where the roles of sellers and creators are clearly distinguished, always impress me and reaffirm the significance of participating.
Beyond the exhibition, many memorable experiences occurred: comforting flavors that soothed my fatigue,
brief rest at Taipei 101,
and even moments of confusion while navigating the city.
After the fair, I unexpectedly met American and Italian artists who had also exhibited, and we shared casual conversation. A bottle of sparkling mineral water burst open dramatically, soaking the table and my smartphone, which had already been damaged in South Korea. The phone finally shut down.
At the Apple Store, I faced further challenges: severe currency depreciation, lack of parts, and logistical difficulties. I resolved to repair the phone in Japan.
The next morning, I realized I had left essential documents at the exhibition venue in South Korea, repeating a mistake I had made in Shanghai the previous year. I reflected on my tendency to forget important items when in a hurry.
Despite setbacks, kindness surrounded me. I received a whole Taiwanese mango, met Japanese-speaking Koreans and Hong Kongers who assisted me with printing documents, and even had my phone repaired quickly at a nearby shop.
Thanks to their help, both the phone and the printed materials were ready within 30–40 minutes, saving me from stress in Tokyo the following day.
The reassurance of speaking Japanese abroad was profound for me, and I was touched when they said that being able to speak Japanese was special things for them.
From hotel staff to fellow travelers, everyone I met in Taiwan was filled with kindness. Such kindness inspires the desire to reciprocate. Next time, it will be my turn.
( 2024.5.26 )
International Cultural Exchange
My first visit to the Hangaram Art Museum. The structure atop the building resembled the traditional hat I had seen on a stone statue at Gyeongbokgung last year, giving the museum a distinctly Korean character.
I decided to participate in this art fair as part of cultural exchange, having been invited by a Korean artist I met at last year’s exhibition, and believing that joining different types of art fairs would help me explore new approaches to my work and gain valuable experience.
During the exhibition, artists in the same booth frequently exchanged works. I experimented with different presentations, such as changing the color of the wall shelf, with the kind cooperation of fellow artists.
I was also invited by another South Korean artist I met last year to join a pottery painting session at an art village in Gimpo.
I look forward to seeing the finished piece. The pottery teacher kindly remarked that he would like to have my painted work himself, which was flattering and encouraging.
This work is scheduled to be exhibited in October at a library in Janggi, Gimpo City.
Although it rained in the morning, the sky cleared upon arrival at the art village, and by the time I left, a rare blue sky had appeared despite the yellow dust season.
Later, we enjoyed lunch together, generously hosted by the teacher. I realized that I had tried many South Korean dishes during this stay, though a South Korean acquaintance later pointed out that most were soups—something I had not noticed until then.
( 2024.5.26 )
Production Scenery | Main ver.
The recent works in the “Memory” series employ distinctive materials that reflect light abundantly, producing fluid, undulating, and ever-changing expressions that are both delicate and dynamic.
As these are two-dimensional works, photographing the material proved difficult with my own equipment and skills. Therefore, in January, Art Research Co., Ltd. conducted high-resolution photography and 3D scanning using a scanner specialized for cultural properties.
Various methods were tested due to the unique nature of the material. The discussion with the developer of the equipment regarding light was particularly fascinating and inspiring.
I intend to continue my own research to explore my distinctive expression. In reviewing my own photography skills, I realized certain misunderstandings and feel that my abilities have improved through this process.
I will continue to study ways to highlight the material’s appeal and better convey the charm of the works through photography, while occasionally relying on professional expertise when necessary.
( 2024.5.22 )
萬物相連
展望｜神經細胞與記憶之花
( 2024.4.21 )
모든 것은 연결되어 있다
전개｜신경세포와 기억의 꽃
( 2024.4.21 )
Everything is Connected
Developments | Nerve cells and the Blossoms of Memories
( 2024.4.21 )
U always give me new power soul, Prince
Gold | Prince
There's an ocean of despair
There are people livin' there
They're unhappy each and every day
But hell is not fashion so whatcha tryin' to say?
Everybody wants to sell what's already been sold
Everybody wants to tell what's already been told
What's the use of money if you ain't gonna break the mold?
Even at the center of fire, there is cold
All that glitters ain't gold
All that glitters ain't gold
( 2024.4.21 )
( 2024.4.15 )
( 2024.4.5 )
( 2024.2.21 )
Happy New Year !!!
Fulfill your life with happiness and joy.
( 2024.1.1 )
