Chiharu Shiota: The Soul Trembles

As people who live in the 21st century, we often are busy with tons of things on our plates: schoolwork, club meetings, sports, chores. In this never-ending loop of chaotic days, we sometimes need to pause for a moment, filter all the unnecessary rubbish out, and let in fresh air. A perfect place to do so lies in the centre of Roppongi, one of the busiest commercial districts in Tokyo.

The Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills has been hosting the exhibition “Shiota Chiharu: The Soul Trembles” since late June this year. This quiet, not-so-crowded gallery displays artworks and records of artistic installations by Chiharu Shiota, a Japanese artist based in Berlin, well-known for her works that represent abstract, indefinable concepts. 

Centred around the theme of “soul”, the artworks presented in the exhibition show the artist’s quest to define what her “soul” is. With materials varying from yarn, dollhouse furniture, suitcases to a burned grand piano, Shiota exposes her raw, most intimate part of herself to our eyes, and reaches out to our “soul”. There’s no need for you to stand in front of a piece for hours trying to figure out the meaning of the piece— Shiota’s pieces will instantaneously evoke something in you, whether that’s laughter, shock, fear, or calm.

If you find one piece of artwork really inspiring, so inspiring that you want to keep it with you afterward, you’re in luck. The museum allows taking photos on most of the pieces exhibited under certain conditions (e.g. no flash). This could also be a great opportunity for you to take some aesthetic photos to post on social media.

If all this sounds complicated and difficult and just not right for you, think about this way —“Shiota Chiharu: The Soul Trembles” will offer you an extraordinary artistic experience. The entrance fee of 1,200 yen may not be the cheapest way to spend your weekend, but I promise you it’s worth it: I definitely felt something tremble inside me as I walked out of the exhibition.

“Shiota Chiharu: The Soul Trembles” will be open every day until October 27, 2019.