Map of the Pure Land of Paradise

For some reason, I always feel nostalgic when I visit Ueno.

Is it the chaotic scenery of Ameyoko centered under the overpass, or does it feel something idyllic in the large scenery with Ueno Park's art museum pond, or does it happen that you feel it at night in the Nakamachi-dori area...

I had the opportunity to do a solo exhibition at ABAB UENO's Uenoshita Studio in the center of the city, which made me feel so nostalgic.

ABAB UENO is a commercial facility founded in 1945. It's been close to 80 years since it was founded, and it has survived the turbulent post-war era, and it's probably such a natural presence for Ueno that they can't even imagine that it will disappear anymore.

It is said that ABAB UENO will close in June of this year.

Since COVID-19, in particular, things that have been taken for granted until now have ceased to be commonplace, and major structural changes have occurred in various fields.

Strangely enough, it is said that the curtain will come to an end during a major turning point in that era.

Everything in this world constantly changes fluidly, even in appearance, shape, and essence, and things don't stay there even for a moment. And there is an end to everything without exception.

In such reality, in the sense of a world that never stays and builds up, and always ends, I often feel hopeless because everything is nothing.

However, living with hopelessness is beautiful, and there is even a feeling that we are living as a human being.

After the end, something begins, and the world continues on its own.

The world that has ended is forgotten over time, a new common sense is built in a new world, and furthermore, that new world also ends, is forgotten, and a new world begins again...

Through talking about ABAB UENO's closing, I hope I can think about the sense of impermanence in this era and a new future through it.

Exhibition title｜

Wakasa Shinichi Solo Exhibition ｜ Just Ending, Just Beginning

Date and Hours｜

2024/4/3 (Wed) - 4/14 (Sun)

12:00-18:00 (last admission 17:30)

*The opening reception will be held on 4/3 (Wed) 17:00-19:00.

Address｜

Uenoshita Studio ABAB UENO 6th Floor, 4-8-4 Ueno , Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8541

＞Google Map

Planning ｜

Shinichi Wakasa+ArtStiker

Collaboration｜

ABAB UENO

Art Brain Company Co., Ltd.