November 15, 2024

Special Exhibition "Oku3"

As we reflect on the first year since opening KYO AMAHARE, we are filled with gratitude for Wataru Hatano (@hatanowataru), a master of washi (traditional Japanese paper). His artistry has introduced us to countless meaningful connections through his craft.

To celebrate our first anniversary, we are honored to host Hatano’s curation project, "Oku3" at KYO AMAHARE.

But what is "Oku"—the hidden essence within the 130-year-old Kyo-machiya that houses KYO AMAHARE and Kyo Teahouse?
How will Hatano and his team interpret and bring this concept to life? We are eagerly anticipating their vision.

To mark the beginning of this special exhibition, we will host a unique tea gathering on November 22–23 in the innermost sanctuary of the space, Kyo Teahouse.


We warmly invite you to join us for this exceptional experience. We look forward to welcoming you.

(Kenichi Kaneko, Director of KYO AMAHARE @kyo_amahare)


Participating Artists

  • Arisato Kobo (@arisato1) – Creating stories that begin from the depths (Oku).
  • Ryoko Ohta (@rglasslabo) – Capturing space with a minimalist perspective.
  • Tipura Studio (@tipura_studio) – Embracing the philosophy that everything comes full circle.
  • Fumihito Ohashi (Oku Space Design) – Designing Oku by sensing the air and atmosphere.
  • Wataru Hatano (Oku Curation) – Believing in the beauty of expression.

Dates
November 22, 2024 (Fri) – December 3, 2024 (Tue)
*Closed on Wednesdays
Open 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Artist Attendance

  • November 22: Yuri Hironaka, Fumihito Ohashi, Wataru Hatano
  • November 23: Ryoko Ohta, Chinatsu Sasaya, Fumihito Ohashi, Wataru Hatano

Venue
KYO AMAHARE
127 Aburaya-cho, Takoyakushi-dori, Yanaginobanba Higashi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
TEL: 075-256-3280
E-mail: kyo@amahare.jp

Oku３ × 万 yorozu × 茶房 居雨

Opening Tea Gathering "奥/Oku"


In conjunction with the exhibition "Oku3" at KYO AMAHARE, we invite you to experience its unique worldview through a special opening tea gathering, "Oku."

This exclusive event offers the opportunity to enjoy tea and sweets while conversing with the participating artists about their works and the carefully curated space. We look forward to sharing this moment with you, alongside the "Oku3" team.

Details

  • Vessels/Scenary: Created by the Oku3 team
  • Tea: Kana Ogushi (Sabo Kyo)
  • Sweets: Kombuya Magobei
  • Direction: Suguru Tokubuchi (Yorozu)

    Venue
    KYO Teahouse
    (Located within KYO AMAHARE)

    Sessions

    • Session 1: November 22 (Fri), 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

         with Yuri Hironaka, Fumihito Ohashi, Wataru Hatano

    • Session 2: November 23 (Sat), 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

         with Ryoko Ohta, Chinatsu Sasaya, Wataru Hatano

    Participation Fee
    8,800 JPY (tax included)

    Reservations
    Please reserve via TableCheck:

    https://www.tablecheck.com/ja/sabo-kyo/reserve/message

      Payment
      Reservations require online payment via credit card.

      Cancellation Policy
      A 100% cancellation fee applies for cancellations made within 72 hours of your reservation time.

      Enjoy this special arrangement and menu, offered exclusively for these two days. We look forward to welcoming you!



      Wataru Hatano (Oku Curation)

      Believing in the beauty of expression


      Born in 1971, Awaji Island

      1995: Graduated from Tama Art University, Department of Painting (Oil Painting major)
      1997: Joined Kurotani Washi as a research student
      2000: Became an independent washi papermaker
      2007: Certified as a Kyoto Monozukuri artisan
      2022: Joined Wa.gallery

      Hatano's extensive career spans spatial design, art creation, and numerous exhibitions both in Japan and abroad.

      Notable works include spatial and artistic contributions to log-Onomichi, the Hiroshima Post Office art wall, and artworks for tou-nishinotoin.



      Fumihito Ohashi (Oku Spatial Design)

      Designing Oku by sensing the air and atmosphere.


      Ohashi, an architect and self-described "artisan of atmosphere," collaborates with craftspeople and artists to create unique spaces. His projects include architecture, furniture, and temporary spaces, all designed to cultivate a distinct sense of presence through tangible and intangible elements.



      Arisato Studio – Yuri Hironaka

      Creating stories that begin from the depths (Oku).


      Hironaka specializes in dyeing and weaving using natural materials:
      Chafu is fabric dyed with spent tea leaves.
      Aozumi-dyed fabric is created using the inherited ink from her grandmother.
      Her work emphasizes textiles that enhance and support the intrinsic beauty of people and places. Recently, she has been exploring ancient fiber techniques, such as angin weaving using fibers like ramie and banana plant.

      Based in Ikoma, Nara Prefecture.



      Ryoko Ota

      Capturing space with a minimalist perspective.


      Born in Kanagawa Prefecture
      2001: Graduated from Tokyo Glass Art Institute
      2006: Joined Hyogo Prefecture's Glass Craft Center
      2014: Founded Ota Glass Studio
      2018: Established a studio in Kyoto, focusing on kiln-formed glass art.



      Tipura Studio

      Embracing the philosophy that everything comes full


      Tipura Studio primarily works with iron to create its pieces.
      The name "Tipura" combines "Ti" (earth) and "Plus," reflecting the ethos of staying grounded while striving for balance.

      Based in Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture.