Hello. I am Terashima, CEO of Jibunrashiku LLC.
The potential of 'expressing oneself in one's own way,' which we value. It sometimes brings unexpected wonderful encounters and opens new doors.
This time, I would like to share a moving episode where art truly connected people's hearts and led us to a historic venue.
Last July, I held a solo exhibition 'Touching Colors, Dancing Lines' at Gallery & Think in Osaka. I felt immense joy seeing so many people come, stop in front of the works, and engage in conversation.
Some time after the solo exhibition ended, a polite and passionate message arrived.
It was from someone who had happened to visit the solo exhibition. The message expressed a strong desire to 'change the concept of art' and 'make art more accessible,' and happily, their deep impression of my work led them to take action based on that emotion.
The letter stated that they would love to exhibit my work at an event they organized, and surprisingly, the venue was Osaka's Tenma Church, a designated Tangible Cultural Property.
What struck me most was that, unknown to me, my work deeply resonated with someone's heart, leading to concrete actions like 'I want to meet you' and 'I want to create something together.' It was a moment where the artwork connected people's hearts as if crossing oceans.
At Jibunrashiku LLC, we continue to create spaces where everyone can freely express themselves 'in their own way,' such as 'Min-nano Live' and 'Drum de Dance Club.' That's why I could wholeheartedly empathize with their passion to 'boost art' and 'create opportunities for expression.'
Furthermore, I personally had a vague desire to 'exhibit my work in a sacred and tranquil space like a church,' so I felt this was a special connection not to be missed and immediately went to meet them.
After hearing their story, I was even more impressed.
It must be much more challenging than imagined for non-believers to hold an event in a historic church. However, they apparently started by trying to deeply understand Tenma Church and its people, visiting worship services many times and painstakingly building trust with the church members.
They continued to hold a passionate desire to 'boost art' and 'create opportunities for expression,' translated that into concrete actions, and moreover, persistently continued the most crucial process of building trust. I was truly impressed by their sincerity and drive. This reminded me again how incredibly important it is to gain trust and expand activities in any field.
Furthermore, even though my participation was essentially pro bono this time, they warmly and wonderfully prepared my introductory text and other materials for the event.
My Introduction
Flyer for the Marble Exhibition
Event scenery. The exhibition featured the Kanjizai series, which allows visitors to touch and rotate the artworks.
The event featured permanent exhibitions by artists and creators, with various expressions like jazz, guitar sing-alongs, and dance on stage, and many visitors enjoyed themselves. I exhibited the Kanjizai series, which allows people to touch and rotate the artworks. Initially, people are hesitant to touch art, but once they realize it's okay, they start touching freely. And it seems they enjoyed how their perceptions changed by rotating the works themselves.
An unexpected connection, forged by art, that began with a single message. The artwork moved hearts, that emotion generated action, and through steady trust-building, it led to the wonderful venue of a Tangible Cultural Property.
At Jibunrashiku LLC, we pursue the joy of expressing ourselves 'in our own way,' the connections it creates, and the new possibilities that emerge from it. This exhibition at Tenma Church is precisely one form of that activity, and a moment where 'thoughts connect, and new creation is born,' something we cherish.
【Introduction to Event Organizer: Art Posse】
This wonderful opportunity was provided by the event organizer, Art Posse.
Art Posse operates with a strong passion to 'make art more accessible and create a place where those who want to express themselves can shine.' Out of empathy for our activities, they sent a warm letter shortly after the solo exhibition, leading to this exhibition at Tenma Church. Their approach to realizing events while maintaining respect for the venue and building careful trust deeply impressed us as well. We are sincerely grateful for their passion, drive, and warm support for artists. For more information on Art Posse's activities and future events, please see below.
▶︎Art Posse https://www.art-posse.com