SPRING

aaploit presents SPRING, a solo exhibition by Michimata Aoi, on view from April 5 through April 21, 2024. This is Michimata's second solo exhibition at aaploit, following own pace held in September 2023.

Michimata Aoi works in woodblock printing, with an interest in media and satire. In December 2023, she presented a large-scale series from her "Kafka's Staircase" body of work at anonymous collection's anonymous bldg. Her work was also discussed in the January 2024 special issue of Gendai Shiso (Contemporary Thought), devoted to Kafka, in an essay by Ikuta Takeshi—the originator of the "Kafka's Staircase" concept. Through dialogue with Ikuta, Michimata's work was further featured in Fukushi no Hiroba.

Upon graduating, Michimata witnessed her classmates' job-hunting process and struggled with the decision between employment and an artistic career. The concept of "Kafka's Staircase," which she encountered during this period, gave expression to the suffering of being expected to climb the same staircase as everyone else—and to the unease of ascending without thought. Her works, which question a society that offers no refuge psychologically or physically, seem to indicate where people of various generations and circumstances currently stand. The series of works based on the Kafka's Staircase theme will convey many different messages.

This exhibition takes as its theme an exploration of the places we share, at the arrival of a new season. Spring is a season of new beginnings, yet the starting line is never equal. Unfair competition and uncertain conditions may await. The exhibition considers how the concept of belonging is shaped and transformed by individual experience and social context.

This exhibition presents new works alongside existing pieces by Michimata.

For inquiries regarding the exhibition and works, please contact info@aaploit.com.