VOLTA BASEL 2025
Postwar modernization and globalization led to a transformation in Japanese aesthetics. Western concepts like conceptualism and political expression took root. Many younger artists now aim for bold visuals and clear messages, influenced by global art markets and social media. Yet, this international context also brings renewed attention to Japan’s unique sense of shadow, space, and silence.
Contemporary installations and video art often emphasize light, spatial perception, and silence — echoing Tanizaki’s and Okakura’s ideals in new forms. Furthermore, this sensitivity to “ma” and “void” is gaining recognition among international artists and curators. The power of saying little, the meaning of silence — these resonate in today’s overstimulated world as a fresh and powerful mode of expression.
Moving forward, Japanese art will continue to diversify, negotiating tradition and modernity, East and West, analog and digital. In this landscape, the aesthetics of “shadow,” “space,” “interval,” and “void” offer a timeless philosophy that transcends borders and eras — a quiet revolution enriching the world through what is not there.
Featured Artists
KAZZ Morishita creates dreamlike works that evoke “nostalgia without memory,” drawing viewers into a shared subconscious landscape. His paintings offer quiet healing and a gentle prayer for peace in chaotic times.
eisui reinterprets Buddhist themes in a contemporary light, breathing new life into traditional iconography. Rooted in the philosophy of dependent origination, his works transcend cultural and religious boundaries to convey a universal spiritual message. They prompt inner transformation and empathy toward all living beings.
These artists do not merely pursue visual beauty. Their works stir the senses and create “ma” and “void” within the viewer’s heart — inviting contemplation and quiet introspection. Through these works, Studio Arrows hopes to spark transformation, encouraging viewers to rethink their relationships with the world and each other.
Installation View
4 Plates
