Kobayashi Gallery on Bringing Japanese Artists Overseas

Kobayashi Gallery provides opportunities for emerging artists from Japan to make their mark internationally.

Written by Daphne Co
August 8, 2023

In addition to showcasing established and emerging local galleries, the Modern and Contemporary Art Festival (MoCAF) welcomed the participation of foreign galleries. One of these is Kobayashi Gallery, which lies in Tokyo's Shiba Minato-ku district. Since its founding in 1978, the gallery has prided itself on identifying and promoting promising young artists.

Art+ caught up with Mr. Masatoshi Kobayashi to learn more about the gallery’s participation in this year's MoCAF, as well as their upcoming plans and activities.

Tell us a bit about your gallery.

We mostly work with primary artists, showcasing 10 to 15 artists through exhibitions across worldwide venues. As Kobayashi Gallery strives to expand, we want our artists to grow as well.

Can you talk about your lineup of artists?

This time, we have three female artists featured in MoCAF, namely: Izumi Akiyama, Shiori Saito, and Rina Yokouchi. I've actually shown these three women together in a few group shows. So based on these previous experiences, I know it'll be an amazing boost.

Izumi Akiyama has been exhibiting in the Philippines for some time. Her works were initially presented at Art Fair Philippines when she first came here in 2018. We noticed how many Filipinos liked her works, so I began applying to the event every year before the pandemic. I returned last February once the pandemic ceased, but I wasn't aware yet of MoCAF. So when I found out, I applied and got approved right away. That is why I am here.

Describe your current line of work in 3 words.

Simple, serene, and peculiar.

What would you say is one artwork that best represents the exhibit concept?

I can't choose because I like all of my artists' work. They're all independent, with distinct styles that set them apart from one another. Izumi Akiyama's creations, for example, are very tranquil and minimalistic. Surrealism has a strong influence on Shiori Saito's work, while Rina Yokouchi's paintings are associated with the Japanese subculture known as 'kawaii' (cute). As such, every one of our artists has distinct tastes.

What are your goals for the gallery?

It is to continue showcasing our artists not only in Japan, but also to expand their visibility in overseas nations, particularly in Asia. I hope to introduce our artists more in the Southeast, such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and more.

How do you work with artists to help them develop their careers?

I do my best to find opportunities for them to show their work, particularly through events like these. It doesn't matter whether it is in Japan or not; what matters is that they have a place to show their works. If there's a chance, I would like to exhibit their art in bigger venues such as museums. I want our artists whose work is already on display in Japanese institutions to have exhibitions in international museums so that more people, like prominent collectors, will be familiar with their work.

What can we look forward to in your next exhibit?

There is an upcoming event called Art Fair Asia, which will take place in Fukuoka, Japan. It is one of the expanding art events that will open at the beginning of September. It has been popular since before the pandemic and was once one of the only art events hosted in hotels. They grew by turning it into a regular art festival held at convention centers last year. Kobayashi Gallery will be attending Art Fair Asia Fukuoka alongside our artists.

For more information on Kobayashi Gallery, visit https://kobayashi-g.co.jp/.