[Special Exhibition "Yuniwa（Sacred Garden） of the Divine Deer"] Colors and Words Newsletter, No. 9, 2026
Exhibition "Yuniwa（Sacred Garden） of the Divine Deer"
To the modern spirits that breathe within the mythical sacred garden.
In April 2026, sculptor Yoshimasa Tsuchiya, AFLO+ (afroplus) artist Mayumi Minakawa, and Atelier Shimura will present a collaborative exhibition titled "Yuniwa of the Divine Deer." Yoshimasa Tsuchiya carves serene animals from wood. Mayumi Minakawa creates fantastical plants as if weaving a story. And Atelier Shimura weaves the vibrant colors of plant life. At the root of our creative endeavors is a shared approach: to give form to the grace of nature through human hands. This exhibition is a first for all three of us, and also a challenge to explore a new landscape of life that emerges when our respective worldviews intersect and resonate.
The inspiration for this exhibition comes from the Kasuga Forest and the deer, which have been revered as "messengers of the gods" since ancient times. According to legend, Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto rode on the back of a white deer from Kashima in Hitachi Province and, after a year, descended upon Mount Mikasa in Nara. Reflecting on this sacred story, we hold deep reverence for the flora and fauna that have breathed life into this land since antiquity, and for the mysteries of nature. We conceived this exhibition under the theme of "Yuniwa," a pure garden where Shinto rituals are performed.
Yoshimasa Tsuchiya's wood carvings symbolizing the divine deer, Mayumi Minakawa's imaginary plants, and the vibrant colors of plant life from Atelier Shimura. These elements will unite, transforming the venue into a sacred garden.
Shoji Shimura, Representative, Atelier Shimura
Dates: April 17 (Fri) - 29 (Wed/Holiday), 12:00 - 17:30. Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, open on holidays.
Venue: Atelier Shimura Gallery & School Tokyo, Setagaya
6-17-7 Soshigaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Exhibition and Sales: Wood carvings (Yoshimasa Tsuchiya), accessories/objects (AFLO+), hand-woven tsumugi stoles (Atelier Shimura)
*Wood carvings can be purchased by lottery. Objects are also available for purchase. Details will be announced in early April via email newsletter and website.
Inquiries: tel: 03-6411-1215 mail: gallery@ateliershimura.co.jp
Artist Attendance Dates:
Yoshimasa Tsuchiya: 17th (Fri), 18th (Sat), 19th (Sun), 25th (Sat)
Mayumi Minakawa (AFLO+): 17th (Fri), 18th (Sat), 19th (Sun)
Related Talk Event
"Art and Nature"
Yoshimasa Tsuchiya (sculptor) × Mayumi Minakawa (AFLO+) × Shoji Shimura (Representative, Atelier Shimura)
We will discuss the background of this exhibition, the interesting aspects born from the three-way collaboration, and our respective perspectives on art creation. We hope you will join us.
Date: April 18 (Sat) 10:30 - 11:30
Venue: Atelier Shimura Gallery & School Tokyo, Setagaya
Capacity: 12 people
Participation Fee: 2,200 yen (tax included)
