KAIGADO Gallery, located within the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, is pleased to present the special exhibition Recollection — Alongside the History of the Imperial Hotel from September 1 (Fri.) through October 9 (Mon., National Holiday), 2023.

Born in Saitama Prefecture in 1974, Yuya Fujita studied painting at Tokyo Zokei University. Based in Saitama, he continues to create and exhibit his work both in Japan and internationally.Fujita’s paintings are distinguished by their bold and innovative compositions, meticulous and luminous oil-painting technique, and delicate interplay of light and shadow. Through abstract backgrounds, uniquely positioned subjects, and a vibrant use of color, he has developed a contemporary still-life style that is distinctly his own.

For this exhibition, titled Recollection — Alongside the History of the Imperial Hotel, Fujita created a new body of work inspired by the past and present of the Imperial Hotel.

In 2023, the Imperial Hotel’s second main building, commonly known as the “Wright Building,” celebrated the 100th anniversary of its opening. The arcade beneath the main building also marked its centennial on September 1. Designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Wright Building was hailed as the “Jewel of the Orient” for its extraordinary architecture and innovative design.

As part of his research, Fujita examined valuable archival materials documenting the evolution of the hotel from the Wright Building to the current third main building. He also interviewed members of the Imperial Hotel staff, collecting stories and memories associated with the hotel. In addition, he visited Museum Meiji-Mura, where the original entrance lobby of the Wright Building has been preserved along with period furnishings and lighting fixtures.

Through this process, Fujita reflected deeply on the rich history of the Imperial Hotel and created a series of new works specifically for this exhibition.

This special exhibition commemorates the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Wright Building. The arcade beneath the Imperial Hotel’s main building remains a vibrant and distinctive space where the passage of time can still be felt. Captured through Fujita’s keen powers of observation and rendered with a contemporary sensibility that transcends traditional still-life painting, these works offer a unique perspective on one of Japan’s most iconic hotels.

Artist’s Statement

“This exhibition was made possible through the generosity of the people associated with the Imperial Hotel, who allowed me to view invaluable archival materials and shared their stories with me. The affection and dedication of the many individuals who have supported the hotel over the years can be felt in every aspect of its history and character. For the future of the Imperial Hotel, I created twelve paintings inspired by its past. I would be delighted if these works resonate with the memories and experiences that visitors themselves have shared with the hotel.”

Exhibition Structure

The exhibition consists of three groups of works, offering visitors an opportunity to view both newly created paintings and representative works from the artist’s career.

1. Recollection — Alongside the History of the Imperial Hotel (new works)
2. Representative still-life paintings featuring fruits, vegetables, bottles, corkscrews, and other familiar objects
3. Pencil drawing

Biography

Yuya Fujita was born in Saitama Prefecture in 1974 and graduated from the Department of Fine Arts, Tokyo Zokei University, in 1999. Selected exhibitions include Contemporary Art Exhibition at the Saitama Prefectural Museum of Modern Art, Yuya Fujita: A New Form of Representation at the Dewazakura Art Museum (Yamagata), and Yuya Fujita: Fruits and Antiques at Yayoi Gallery (Tokyo). He has also participated in numerous art fairs, including Art Fair Tokyo and Art Fair Asia Fukuoka.