2022 Exhibition [Autumn / Winter]Hello, How Can We Do a Nara Yoshitomo Show? Documents on Nara Yoshitomo’s Hirosaki Exhibitions 2002-2006

The show includes footage of interviews with people involved in the exhibitions at the time, plus printed material, merchandise and more gathered with the help of local residents. As well as setting out the paths taken by the three exhibitions from preparation to completion, “Hello, How Can We Do a Nara Yoshitomo Show?” examines elements of the exhibitions from different perspectives, such as how Brick Warehouse owner Yoshii Chiyoko and Nara became acquainted, and the progressive community building that kicked off with the presence of volunteers running the exhibitions.

Photos by Nagano Masako and Hosokawa Hako show preparations being made for Nara Yoshitomo’s Hirosaki exhibitions, people who helped to make the exhibitions happen, and the cityscape at the time. These groups of photos capturing the same subjects from the different perspectives of Nagano and Hosokawa not only serve as detailed records of the building at the time, and the exhibits, but also convey a strong sense of the passion of people pulling together with the single, shared goal of completing an exhibition, and the sheer energy flowing through the Brick Warehouse in that moment. Designer Yamamoto Makoto, who provided graphics for the previous Hirosaki exhibitions, was also involved in designing the layout for this one.

In addition to materials from the three previous exhibitions, “Hello, How Can We Do a Nara Yoshitomo Show?” features a selection of Nara’s works shown at these, including paintings, drawings and sculptures, all presented in a space now converted into an art museum, yet suffused with memories of its former life as the Brick Warehouse. Also on display are favorite books and records belonging to the young Nara when he was living in Hirosaki.

The Hirosaki Exchange #05 program includes the “Moshimoshi engekibu” [Hello drama club] theater project offering new meditations on the Hirosaki exhibitions by tracing memories of earlier Nara Yoshitomo shows to write a play, plus other opportunities for local participation such as the “Chiisana okori” [Little happenings] research project exploring the changes the three Nara exhibitions brought to Hirosaki and its inhabitants, and related exhibits. Shining a spotlight on the community creativity unleashed by the three Nara Yoshitomo exhibitions, Hirosaki Exchange #05 contemplates the future of the Brick Warehouse, reborn as a museum largely thanks to these same exhibitions.