Pokémon × KOGEI: Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft

- Exhibition Information -

• Exhibition Name: Pokémon × KOGEI: Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft

• Exhibition Dates: 2027/02/08 (Mon) - 2027/05/02 (Sun)

• Exhibition Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 18:00 (Last entry and ticket sales at 17:00)

• Exhibition Venue: Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, Warehouse No. 5

• Exhibition Address: No. 133, Guangfu South Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City
  
  
  

- Exhibition Introduction -

What kind of 'chemical reaction' occurs when Pokémon meets Japanese craft?

With this question in mind, 20 artists representing contemporary Japan, ranging from Living National Treasures to the new generation of creators, have dedicated themselves to this creative challenge.

At first glance, Pokémon and crafts may seem like an unexpected combination, but they actually share many commonalities.

Try to imagine the raw materials and production processes used in crafts—earth, grass, metal, as well as elements like water, fire, and electricity—which happen to correspond to the various 'types' of Pokémon. Concepts such as honing skills, nurturing growth, and the act of collecting and trading also resonate deeply with the passion invested by craft creators and enthusiasts alike.

In the exhibition, you can see works that capture the forms and movements of Pokémon, or even present their unique essence within the pieces. There are also works inspired by game memories such as 'evolution,' 'communication,' the stages of the journey, and the performance of 'moves.' In addition, Pokémon are also integrated into everyday vessels, as well as elegant attire such as kimonos and obi-dome.

What kind of feelings will you experience when you encounter these works? Is it excitement, intoxication, a knowing smile, or perhaps a sudden thrill?

To create these works, the artists delved deep into the world of Pokémon—playing the games, carefully studying the Pokédex, and meticulously observing the personality and characteristics of each Pokémon, before elevating the feelings and new discoveries they gained into their own unique craft expressions.

Techniques passed down through generations have undergone a new evolution after meeting contemporary creativity; through the hands of these artists, Pokémon also reveal facets never seen before.

This exhibition is not merely a combination of Pokémon and Japanese crafts, but a creative space where tradition and modernity, technique and imagination resonate with each other to create unknown forms of expression.

Using familiar Pokémon as an entry point, we invite you to rediscover the profound and fascinating charm of Japanese crafts.