◎Regarding the Exhibition

'Ashihara'

In ancient Japan, Japan was also known as 'Ashihara no Nakatsukuni' and 'Toyoashihara no Nakatsukuni.' In fact, colonies of reeds can be seen in wetlands throughout Japan. Reeds are a familiar plant that has long been used for roofing materials, blinds, fertilizer, and more. The reed plains where they grow in colonies also serve as habitats for many animals and are places with natural purification properties.
Furthermore, speaking of reeds, the beginning of the Kojiki depicts a scene where, in the midst of chaos before heaven and earth were separated, two deities are formed by something sprouting and growing like a reed shoot. The way reeds grow in colonies in wetlands all over Japan might perhaps be a manifestation of the gods—or the power of the gods—continuously appearing.
The blessings of nature like the reeds, the various thoughts that come to mind daily, and all kinds of inspiration I get when I paint are all sprouting and growing like reeds. I feel that I am painting today amidst those flourishing reeds.

This exhibition is my first solo show at CAFE ESQUISSE in about five and a half years, since December 2020. It will feature a total of 22 two-dimensional works, including 3 new pieces, centered on works that have not yet been shown in Sapporo.
Takahashi's works, which depict fantastical and mystical landscapes by combining motifs such as wolves, pine trees, the moon, and islands, draw inspiration from diverse fields including Japanese mythology, physics, and biology. In recent years, she has been exploring themes such as the nature of humanity and the origins of the world within a style reminiscent of Yamato-e.



◎Artist Profile

Hiroko Takahashi
Born in Akita Prefecture in 1977. Raised in Sapporo. Graduated from Sapporo Municipal College of Technology, Department of Industrial Design (majoring in industrial design) in 1999. Began seriously presenting her work in 2013. Continues to be based in Sapporo, exhibiting in solo shows and art fairs in Sapporo, Taiwan, Fukuoka, and Kobe.
She continues to be active and gain attention, with a feature scheduled in the art magazine 'ExtrART' in March 2026.