YUKIKOMIZUTANI is pleased to present “Characters”, a group exhibition by Seiji Matsumoto, Kenichi Obana, and Nana Soeda from April 22 (Fri.) to May 28 (Sat.), 2022.

In this exhibition, we will show how the concept that came from abroad as “Character” was interpreted in Japan, and how it has transformed. We invite three different artists to explore the three different approaches to making a “Character”.

We hope you enjoy this first ever group exhibition at YUKIKOMIZUTANI.

Seiji Matsumoto

Born in 1986, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. After graduating from Osaka University of Arts, Seiji started his career as a designer. After gaining experience in Tokyo, he moved to New York to start his career as an artist. In 2017, the artist presented “ANDY the mouse” at his first solo exhibition. His works have been exhibited in Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles and other cities. He has worked on art in various areas, collaborating with NIKE, UNIQLO, The New York Times, and many more projects across borders. Seiji is currently working from his studio in the foothills of Nagano.

Kenichi Obana

Born in 1981, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Department of Western Art of the Graduate School of Art, University of Tsukuba, completed in 2006. The artist produces ‘Gekiga-style’ graphics, sculptures, and installations drawing from unique histories and stories rooted in native environments. The ‘Mysterious masked men’, a series which follows the mundane life of a masked supporting character has become one of Obana’s best-known works. The artist actively participates in art festivals. At his latest art festival ‘Oku-Noto Triennale 2020＋’ (Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture), he presented an installation “Namiko on the Horizon”. In 2021, Obana was awarded The Vision of Contemporary Art Award for his ‘Ueno-yama Cosmology’, which was showed at VOCA Exhibition 2021 (Ueno Royal Museum).

Nana Soeda

Born in 1994, Tokyo, Japan. Graduate of Central Saint Martins Foundation Course. Influenced by the toys, signboards and junk in Asia, her work surrounds the theme of “cheapness” in products and art, and the unreasonable society. The artist creates with a wide range of expressive styles, ranging from paintings, videos, cartoons, plush toys and ceramics.