B-OWND, an art and craft platform provided by Tanseisha, has produced an art gallery in the lobby of The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo (owner: Royal Park Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd.; address: 74 Nakajima-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City) which will be Produce from February 21, 2023.
Considering the hotel's location, the gallery exhibits art and crafts that express Japanese beauty, focusing on works by artists active in Kyoto. This time, in line with the hotel's concept of "Hospitality with the City," we have selected works that express the charm of Kyoto and the spirit of hospitality, incorporating the keywords "travel" and "hotel," and that will enrich the travels and lives of guests who visit the hotel. This is the first time that B-OWND Produce a permanent gallery and curated the works.
The two-dimensional barcodes installed next to each exhibit will take you to a page with information about the hotel's work, as well as information about the artist and the work itself. You can also purchase other works by your favorite artists.
B-OWND will continue to create opportunities for more people to enjoy art up close, and aims to contribute to the spread of art and craft works and the expansion of the art market in Japan, with a view to revitalizing local communities through culture and the arts.
Introduction of exhibited works (examples)
Works curated around the theme of "Kyoto"
"Goldfish - Stretching" by Fumie Sasai <Lacquer artist>
Fumie Sasai is a lacquer artist who graduated from Kyoto City and currently teaches at the same school.
As the name suggests, this piece is based on the motif of a goldfish, expressing the cuteness of its plump, rounded shape and the beauty of its tail fin. This piece truly evokes the feminine beauty of Kyoto.
"SPIKY FOX Mask" Takahiro Koga <Ceramicist>
Takahiro Koga is an artist who respects Sen no Rikyu and advocates "anti-wabi-sabi," deliberately expressing himself in the opposite way to the idea of wabi-sabi.
The motif of the mask is a fox. It is worshipped as the being that governs bountiful harvests, and there are Inari shrines all over Japan. This work is reminiscent of Fushimi Inari Taisha, a very popular spot in Kyoto that is visited by Tourism from all over the world.
Works curated around the theme of "travel"
"AIR Immortality I Raijin modeled 1/3" by Hiromine Nakamura <Puppeteer>
Nakamura Hiromine says that the essence of dolls is that they are "the embodiment of people's prayers."
As the saying goes, "wonderful shoes take their wearer to wonderful places," this piece is intended to wish customers who come to Kyoto safe travels and wonderful "encounters."
Works curated around the theme of "Hotels"
"Doorknob Cup" by Noriaki Imamura (ceramic artist)
Yoshiaki Imamura creates ceramic works using minerals collected from all over the world.
The exciting feeling of anticipation when you open the door to your hotel room, and the sense of relief when you return to your room after a trip. This piece was selected as it evokes the image of "fun and relaxation at a hotel."
Works curated around the theme of "Hotels"
About "B-OWND"
Launched in May 2019, B-OWND is an online marketplace that handles craft works as the highest form of art that expresses Japanese beauty. By carefully introducing artists and their works, the platform aims to connect artists with buyers. In addition, B-OWND allows you to purchase works that come with a blockchain-based digital certificate of authenticity. The fact that you have purchased a work is recorded semi-permanently, and each person's aesthetic sense is engraved in the history of art and crafts.
Related information
Related Links
B-OWND, an online marketplace that sells craft works as art: https://www.b-ownd.com/
Please note that this may be subject to change without prior notice.