Iyama Kei solo exhibition "Quiet as it's kept."
shimokitazawaartsNovember 15 - 30, 2025
1-7 pm
Closed on Mon, Tue and Wed.
*open on Nov. 24
*opening reception：November 15, 5-7pm
*Anyone can participate in the reception.
Shimokitazawa Arts is pleased to present “Quiet as it’s kept,” a solo exhibition by Iyama Kei. Born in 2001 in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, Iyama graduated from the Art Course of the General Studies Department at Kozukata High School in 2020. Currently based in Morioka, he continues to develop his artistic practice while gaining growing recognition as one of Iwate’s leading young artists, having been awarded the Iwate Prefectural Art and Culture Encouragement Prize in 2024.
Deeply influenced by the natural environment and cultural traditions of the Tohoku region, Iyama’s creative activities span a wide range of media. In his paintings, he experiments not only with oil and acrylic paint, but also with unique materials such as eggshells that he has explored and developed hi mself. His supports vary from canvas and paper to more unconventional surfaces—sometimes painting directly on his work table or constructing house-like structures that later evolve into installations.
Beyond painting, Iyama engages in knitting, embroidery, and radio appearance, contributes a serialized column to a local newspaper, and, since 2025, has opened a shop and gallery in Morioka where he serves as manager. All of these endeavors reflect Iyama’s sincere engagement with himself, with people, landscapes, books, and everything he encounters—transforming these experiences into works that emerge spontaneously, sometimes over the course of many years.
Viewers of Iyama’s work are invited to sense the essence of things that can only be perceived when one is at ease—where lightness and depth coexist.
We warmly invite you to experience the world of Iyama Kei, an artist who strolls through today’s world with a gentle smile.
Artist statement
There was a time when I wondered if the yips, or trauma, could be thought of as a kind of spiritual phenomenon. Perhaps trauma arises when one becomes possessed—caught—by spirits, which are, in a sense, personal or collective memories of the past.
It began with the feeling that I was using a sort of spiritual intuition—something like “spirit-sense”—when painting. The placement of the brush, the timing of when to paint; I was always carefully gauging these moments as if to shield myself from something unseen. I think I was trying not to be noticed by the spirits around me, so that they wouldn’t be tempted to attach themselves to me. This was a kind of instinct that helped me avoid “self-destruction.” Yet somewhere in the back of my mind, I always questioned whether that was truly a good thing—whether I might be missing an important opportunity for “self-collapse.”
From the moment I was born, the world has been accelerating both reflection and efficiency at an astonishing speed. Statistical predictions—by-products of reflection—have revealed what we choose to reflect upon, and in turn have helped to eliminate their causes. This has certainly brought great benefits to our modern world. Yet at the same time, I believe we have lost the chance to speak about things that cannot easily be spoken. “Self-destruction” may be one of those lost possibilities.
The title Quiet as it’s kept comes from the opening line of Toni Morrison’s novel The Bluest Eye. Translated as “this is a secret,” the phrase itself gestures toward secrecy—a whisper that unfolds into a slow, quiet confession. I see painting, sculpture, and object-making in a similar way. To paint, to make, to see—each is an act that holds a secret, that contains within it the potential to unravel and dismantle oneself. At the same time, these gestures can become acts of self-understanding.
Returning to the idea of spirits—I feel that perhaps I am meant to be pursued by them. And yet, I also believe I must keep running. Maintaining a delicate, proper distance between myself and these spirits is not easy. But somewhere within that fragile interval, I sense the presence of the work I most wish to protect.
Iyama Kei
Born in 2001. Lives and works in Morioka, Japan.
Iyama is interested in the act of making and viewing objects. Beginning with painting under the theme of “being there,” he creates and presents works in various forms, using materials that naturally suit each piece and context.
favorite artist：Suga Kishio, Funakoshi Yasutake, Matsumoto Shunsuke, Yorozu Tetsugoro, Bruno Munari
solo exhibition
2024
"The Great Curve, No Title Yet” implexus art gallery, Morioka City, Iwate Pref., Japan
"Iyama Kei Exhibition" Art + half studio, Hachimantai City, Iwate Pref., Japan
"Iyama Kei special feature" Cyg art gallery, Morioka City, Iwate Pref., Japan
2023
"Iyama Kei Exhibition" Kawatoku gallery, Morioka City, Iwate Pref., Japan
"Iyama Kei Exhibition, HOLE" Commercial gallery, Kujiranohone, Chiba City, Chiba Pref., Japan
"The unchanging tone, welcome back turn" Saigado S-SPACE, Morioka City, Iwate Pref., Japan
2022
"Iyama Kei Exhibition, stretching vacuum tube" Commercial gallery, Kujiranohone, Chiba City, Chiba Pref., Japan
"Iyama Kei Solo Exhibition, distant view document" implexus art gallery, Morioka City, Iwate Pref., Japan
2021
"Iyama Kei Solo Exhibition, positive position of the sun" implexus art gallery, Morioka City, Iwate Pref., Japan
2020
"RELATIONSHIPs" Saigado S-SPACE, Morioka City, Iwate Pref., Japan
group exhibition
2025
"Abe Jun, Iyama Kei, Irinatsu Nanami"KAMAWANAI Gallery, Morioka City, Iwate Pref., Japan
"North wind project Vol.4 Wandering paper : Adventure on Paper" Ishigami-no-Oka Museum of Art, Iwate Town, Iwate Pref., Japan
2024
Two-Person Exhibition "Bush Bush" with Iyama Kei, Shimokitazawa Arts, Tokyo, Japan
"114 year old conversation" A.R.T shop 2nd YPG ANNEX, Shizukuishi Town, Iwate Pref., Japan
2023
"asterisc" Former Ishii Prefectural Residence, Morioka City, Iwate Pref., Japan
2022
"Christmas gold plate exhibition" Joint project with artist Yuri Shibata, Saigado S-SPACE, Morioka City, Iwate Pref., Japan
"The Heart of Songs - Entrusted to the Paintbrush - Exhibition" Tokyo Kudan Yohgarou, Tokyo
"Future Artist Tokyo:SHIP" Tokyo International Forum, Tokyo
2021
"Cygnus parade" Cyg art gallery, Morioka City, Iwate Pref., Japan
"Art Field Iwate 2021" Morioka City Central Park, Iwate Pref., Japan
"Pudding Alliance 20th Anniversary Exhibition" Ishigami Museum of Art, Iwate Town, Iwate Pref., Japan
2020
"Cyg SELECT 2020" Cyg art gallery, Morioka City, Iwate Pref., Japan
"la eclosion" Gallery AN, Mizusawa City, Iwate Pref., Japan
Award
2024 Iwate Prefectural Award for Arts and Fine Arts
Writing
Currently serializing “Keiten” in the Morioka-based mini magazine Tekuri.
2024 Contributed to “Relay Essay: Promenade” (Yuhodō) published by Iwate Nippo in 2024.
