Capturing Everyday Life

Exhibition "EVERYDAY EDEN" by Yuji Kumon to be held at Horikawa Shin Culture Building for 16 - 24 August, 2025. While studying in the U.S. in his 30s, he started attending art classes as a hobby. This led him to pursue a graduate degree in fine arts. After returning to Japan, the COVID-19 pandemic began, and he took a break from making art to focus on work and family. He returned to creating, going back to his roots—making art as a joyful hobby. His work often explores time, contradictions, everyday and unusual moments, and patterns and rhythms. He uses experimental processes and various materials.

Artist Statement

In my 40s, I became a father. As I spend most of my time with my family and work, I’ve become more aware of how time passes and how fragile memories can be. Everyday life may seem ordinary, but it changes little by little without us noticing. Watching my child grow while I myself grow older, I sometimes feel that new things will one day become old, and old things can suddenly feel fresh and new.

In this exhibition, I capture small moments from my own daily life. Using vivid colors that feel nostalgic and repeated patterns, I try to show the layers of memory, inner landscapes, and the passage of time. Ordinary days eventually turn into memories and quietly settle in our hearts. These memories can gain new meaning—becoming a kind of "utopia." I hope this abstract idea connects with your own sense of daily life as you view the works.

Yuji Kumon