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Ashikaga’s Okubo Branch Start-up Museum Hosts Nanami Ishihara Solo Exhibition

ASHIKAGA, TOCHIGI – The Okubo Branch Start-up Museum in Ashikaga City, which utilizes the former Okubo Branch School building, is currently hosting a solo exhibition by painter Nanami Ishihara.

The exhibition, titled “NANAMI ISHIHARA SOLO EXHIBITION: Kiki-zutae, Kuchi-zutae, Abi-kata-rau (ききずたえ くちずたえ あびかたらふ),” opened on October 3, 2025, and will run until November 30, 2025.

Ishihara’s work is characterized by her profound interest in myths, ancient legends, and the relationship between humans and nature. She states that her practice is a way of “retelling stories” she has taken in, often using her own body as a medium. Her pieces incorporate a variety of techniques, including paintings on wood panels and canvas, three-dimensional works made from clay, and drawings on metal foil (metal leaf drawing), resulting in colorful and vibrant expressions.
The exhibition features several notable works, including “Black Queen” (黒は玉乃母) and “A pair of dragons: Metal Leaf Drawing” (双の龍の「金属箔のドローイング」).

Related Workshop Offered
In conjunction with the exhibition, the museum is offering a hands-on workshop led by the artist:
* Workshop Title: Creating Decorations from Metal Foil Silhouettes
* Description: Participants will create art objects by cutting silhouettes from metal foil (aluminum foil).
* Date & Time: Sunday, October 26, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
* Target Audience: Elementary school students and older (must be accompanied by a guardian if not a junior high student or older)
* Registration: Advance reservation is required via phone, email, or Instagram DM.
Museum Details
The Okubo Branch Start-up Museum operates as a venue for artistic expression and creation, utilizing the historical school building.
* Exhibition Dates: October 3 – November 30, 2025
* Opening Days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and National Holidays (Mondays, Thursdays are reserved for studio use)
* Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
* Admission: Free
* Location: 126 Okubo-cho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture
* Contact: 0284-22-7868
* Note: The museum’s official Instagram account has recently been relaunched due to an access issue. Ashikaga City’s official account is noted as following the museum.

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