About

West of the Kyoto Imperial Palace stands a single-story traditional house.

Within this space, light lingers, changing moment by moment. This is Japan's first gallery to permanently exhibit the works of artist Kazuya Yamaguchi.

In one series of Mr. Yamaguchi's paintings, the process begins with him venturing into the mountains himself to gather the raw materials for washi paper, then carefully crafting each sheet using the mountain's spring water. He also walks the mountains of his homeland, collecting stones and soil, which he then fires to create vases and tea bowls. At times, he transforms himself into a single living entity, standing alone on the stage of a concert hall—a hallowed temple of music—and paints a picture through improvisation. The audience then listens intently to the brushstrokes creating the painting. This recital is unprecedented in both the music and art worlds.

The artworks he creates have remained unchanged since the day the first human heartbeat echoed through the universe. And they will never change.

In other words, he creates his works by listening to that original sound.

He says, “Everyone is a living pulse ‘hana’ that resonates with the universe ‘sora’.”

Please come experience Kazuya Yamaguchi's world.