A Feast for the Senses

A reception and conversation held in collaboration with ArtReview launches Sensecape, an exhibition in Tokyo, that explores silence, intervals and absence through the evocative works of Ray Kunimoto and Miwa Kakuta

ArtX is an arts organisation based in Japan that encompasses an online auction house, a digital magazine and an artistic programme. It aims to foster new collectors and support emerging artists, while also collaborating with organisations who have a focus on environmental sustainability. A portion of the proceeds from its first auction, The Perennial Curation, was donated to coral-reef conservation in Okinawa. ArtX continues to initiate multifaceted partnerships through lectures and exhibitions.

One such collaboration saw ArtX host a reception as part of Sensescape, a one-night exhibition and event at Hven, in Nakameguro, Tokyo, on 5 November. ‘There can be no sound without silence, no existence without nothingness. In the quietude of absence, we may again find profound insights with sensitivity.’ Inspired by this concept, artists Ray Kunimoto and Miwa Kakuta explored silence, intervals and absence through immersive sound installations and sculptural works. At the heart of Sensescape lies the idea that silence and absence are not voids but rather spaces for contemplation.

A focal point of the exhibition was Ray Kunimoto’s installation, [KAZE #2-hūm]. Composed of 567 iron plates suspended within a 2.4-metre cube, the sound sculpture moves with the passage of air, creating a sonic symphony that transcends time and space. In SHIZUKU, Kunimoto delved deeper into the theme of silence by designing a soothing environment. Through the interplay of light and a rhythmic sound echoing in a hollow sphere, the artist evokes the calming effects of dripping water, offering respite from the noise and chaos of modern life.

London-based artist Miwa Kakuta explored the concept of absence through her sculptural homage to the humble broom, From two in one. By focusing on the absence of this everyday object, which was once a symbol of domesticity and ritual, she challenges our understanding of identity, belonging and cultural connections.

Just as silence is drowned out by the overwhelming sensory input of modern life, our minds, too, are inundated with the constant noise of daily existence, leaving little room for quiet introspection. In this saturated world, the tranquility and emptiness explored through these artworks offers a sense of liberation.

ArtX also hosted a conversation between Kunimoto and Mark Rappolt, Editor-in-Chief of ArtReview, to explore the themes of Sensescape. Their conversation took place in a space filled with the ethereal sounds of [KAZE #2-hūm]. During their discussion, they explored Kunimoto’s creative practices, symbolism, and the interplay of silence and absence, providing valuable insights into the processes behind the exhibited works.

In particular, Kunimoto delved into the creation of his piece [KAZE #2-hūm]. The artist explained that the work, inspired by the Buddhist concept of Aum Mantra, features a pair of lotus flowers in different states of bloom, symbolising the breath of life and the concept of wind. The five elements of Buddhism that constitute the universe—earth (chi), water (sui), fire (ka), wind (fu), and emptiness (ku)—are carved out on each plate suspended in the installation.

Kunimoto also discussed his approach to blending traditional art with modern technology. For him, technology is a tool, like a pencil or a brush, which can be used to express the energy of human interaction with nature. Centred on sensory experiences, his artworks integrate various symbols and technologies to create a solemn atmosphere.

Throughout the exhibition, which focused on the senses, viewers were invited to engage with the concept of perception. To enhance the experience, the Tokyo-based French chef Thomas Kim presented a special culinary offering that fused Mediterranean and Japanese flavours. The event brought together a diverse group of attendees, including collectors, artists, curators, and those from outside the art community. Created in collaboration with ArtReview, the Sensescape event showcased ArtX’s commitment to fostering new connections through close engagement with artists.