Resol Gallery Ueno

Sun and Moon(2020, Keita Shimizu, acrylic paint on wooden panels, Set of 2)

On the large pedestrian bridge in front of Ueno Station, there are two large objects themed around the sun and the moon. Each is placed at a different points on the pedestrian bridge, and although the "moon" object, in particular, is not well known, both are the creations of the late Shoji Yokokawa, an environmental designer and one of my mentors during my university days. By expressing the contrast between yin and yang within the abstract forms, these sculptures encourage travelers exploring the Ueno area to make small discoveries. Please visit them with deep respect for Mr.Yokokawa.

Panda(2020, Masaru Ishikawa and Keita Shimizu, acrylic paint on resin figures)

Derived from the block-type figure BE@BRICK originating in Japan, the symbol of Ueno, the panda,was painted in the color of cherry blossoms.
It is said that when a baby panda is licked by its mother, it turns pink, and the pink panda is a symbol of affection. This object, painted repeatedly with time and affection, grows with Resol Ueno, cherished by many customers.

EDO, rotated 90°(2020, keita Shimizu, print on canvas)

By inverting the colors of a late Edo-period map and rotating it 90 degrees, it transformed into a satellite image capturing a night view of Tokyo. Can you spot Resol Ueno?

Ueno(2020, Keita Shimizu, acrylic paint on wooden panels)

A painting emerged, depicting a historical town in a foreign land, crowded with numerous buildings, all sketched with simple black lines. Ueno is known for its many distinctive structures, and the idea arose of capturing their coexistence with a simple, childlike feeling rather than providing a detailed explanation. In the creation of this artwork, there was a deliberate effort to avoid overthinking, opting instead to paint with very simple emotions.

"Shimaneko (Striped cat)"(2022 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa "Window Exhibition" Acrylic painting No.4S)

A fusion character of a striped cat and a child.
Proud, self-centered, and moody, with a strong sense of independence and a dislike of being coerced.

"Framingo"(2022 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa "Window Exhibition" Acrylic painting No.4S)

A fusion character of a pink-haired girl and a pink flamingo.
The trademark pink color seems to come from food.
What exactly is the pink girl eating?

"Kuchiaki (Open Mouth) "(2022 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa "Window Exhibition" Acrylic painting No.4S)

A character of a wolf's mouth on the head of a boy.
What will the wolf eat, and what will it give to the boy?