Tokyo, Japan – This September, Warehouse TERRADA’s innovative art gallery cafe, WHAT CAFE, will host “Seesaws,” a thought-provoking group exhibition featuring 19 contemporary female artists. Curated by guest curator Reiko Itabashi, the exhibition will run from Thursday, September 11th to Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025. Through a diverse array of mediums and expressions, the artists delve into the complex and ever-shifting relationship between nature and humanity, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own sense of self in a world of fluctuating values.
The exhibition’s title, “Seesaws,” symbolically captures its core themes. It signifies the constant oscillation of societal values, much like the playground equipment it references. At the same time, the title phonetically echoes “She saw,” highlighting the unique perspectives and insights each female artist brings to the exhibition. This dual meaning sets the stage for a collection of works that is both playful and profound, inviting deeper engagement with the art and the ideas it explores.
“Seesaws” features a compelling mix of emerging and established artists, each with a distinct voice and artistic practice. Notable participants include Kaoru Usukubo, known for her ethereal paintings that blur the lines between reality and fantasy; Asami Kiyokawa, acclaimed for her intricate embroidery on photographs; and Kei Takemura, whose work often explores memory and the ephemeral nature of existence. The exhibition showcases a broad spectrum of artistic expressions—from works incorporating organic materials like plants to those using textiles as a primary medium—offering a multifaceted exploration of the exhibition’s themes.
In addition to the exhibition, WHAT CAFE will host interactive events fostering a closer connection between artists and visitors. Attendees can engage in dialogues with some of the exhibiting artists, gaining firsthand insights into their creative processes and concepts. On Saturday, September 13th, a special workshop titled “Polishing a Stone in a Tearoom” led by artist Ai Yamada offers a meditative experience, inviting participants to engage in self-reflection while polishing a stone within the serene setting of a traditional tearoom.
“Seesaws” promises to be more than an art exhibition—it is an invitation to pause and contemplate our place in the world. Amid rapid societal changes and uncertainty, the works of these 19 artists provide a timely and poignant look at the delicate balance between nature and humanity. Through diverse “She saw” perspectives, the exhibition challenges us to reconsider our own views and find equilibrium in the ever-moving seesaw of contemporary life. This exhibition is a must-see for those interested in the forefront of Japanese contemporary art and the vital conversations it inspires.
Exhibition Details:
Title: “Seesaws”
Dates: September 11th (Thu) – September 23rd (Tue), 2025
Venue: WHAT CAFE (2-1-11 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo)
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closes at 5:00 PM on the final day)
Admission: Free
