“A Lighthouse Story” – Katsuaki Shigeno Solo Exhibition

I’ve been an admirer of the talented printmaker Katsuaki Shigeno for some time now. His ability to portray a multitude of characters in a world that is instantly recognisable as his own is remarkable, yet even more impressive is his expansive observation of humanity. The world of Shigeno-san is imbued with nostalgia for the retro days of Showa-era Japan, rich with humor, and above all, filled with a deep sense of love and compassion for his subject matter.

I’ve visited Shigeno’s solo exhibitions several times before, listening carefully to him carefully explain his world view, telling fascinating stories of his friends and acquaintances in real life that he had portrayed. And the sheer versatility of the artist to use various modes creation was surprising, —not only was he a master printmaker, but he also excelled in drawing, watercolor, and even oil painting. Such artists I find to be rare.

And then, a certain thought crossed my mind.

What sort of world might come to life if Shigeno were to illustrate Team Kanata? Certain images began to bubble in my mind’s eye. Takeshi and Go drifting ashore from Peru and China to the lighthouse’s edge, the tall duo (Kanata’s Twin Towers) Yishu and Akiho standing together in unison, the stern yet kind lighthouse gatekeeper Yoriko (now in her 16th year!), and the beloved face of Kanata, the always cheerful Kumiko. There’s also wonderful tales to tell of Maho, Ami, Julia, Midori, as well as our four talented interns. Surrounded by such wonderful people, I am incredibly fortunate. And I couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of how and intriguing the world might be if Shigeno-san would capture the protagonists of Kanata in a solo exhibition.

Over the past six months, Shigeno had visited Kanata numerous times, carefully studying the daily lives of my staff, understanding the atmosphere of the workplace and each member’s individuality. And it is with great care, that he has created many incredible works that made us smile. I am blessed to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of people, and I am very grateful to Shigeno-san for bringing us together in warmth and happiness.

This lighthouse story is not mine alone. The narrative captured here, and the stories we will continue to write together, belong to us all. I am but one of the residents of this lighthouse. Indeed, all of us are the keepers of the light.

These are challenging times, the future uncertain. The night is dark and full of shadows. This is exactly why our artists need this gallery more than ever. And we will continue to shine a light at the dark and cold waters of the vast ocean we call life, hoping to steer these ships to safety, to the future, and to the beyond. My gallery will serve, and will continue to serve, as a beacon of hope for not only today’s artists, but the artists of tomorrow.

What legacy can we leave behind for the next generation?

For the Japanese born 100, 200 years from now.

And for the world.

Like a lighthouse gently guiding ships through the dark of night.

A place where artists’ dreams take root.

Where patrons can embrace those dreams.

And where the dreams of my colleagues and myself can come true.

As we are guided to the great beyond by the beacon that is Kanata.

The past and future become one.

And light transforms to hope.

It is my great honour to welcome you to Katsuaki Shigeno’s “A Lighthouse Story.”  

Wahei Aoyama

Founder

A Lighthouse called Kanata

“A Lighthouse Story” – Katsuaki Shigeno Solo Exhibition