Pangaea Exhibition Vol. 25 in New York

“Pangaea Exhibition” began in 2001 as a self-organized group show in Kumamoto. Its origins trace back to the “Ikurou Exhibition,” held 22 times between 1978 and 2000. Following a generational shift, it was renamed “Pangaea Exhibition” in 2001 and has since continued annually in the region.

The name “Pangaea” refers to the supercontinent believed to have existed around 250 million years ago, meaning “all continents united.” Just as that landmass later split and formed the present-day continents, the exhibition title reflects the hope that artists will grow from their roots and eventually soar into the world.

In April 2016, the Kumamoto Earthquake caused widespread damage. The artists of the Pangaea Exhibition asked themselves, “What can we do?” They organized art workshops at Gofuku Community Center, which served as a temporary shelter, with the support of local art suppliers. Through these efforts, they brought comfort and smiles to those affected. This experience marked a pivotal moment, inspiring the artists with a stronger resolve:

“We want to invigorate Kumamoto as artists.” “We hope our expression can bring hope and strength to people’s hearts.”
The artists originally planned their first international show in New York in 2020. Their aim was clear: to share Kumamoto’s deeply rooted artistic expression with a broader world. They believed that showing local artists striving abroad could provide hope and encouragement.

Although the plan was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2025, marking their 25th anniversary, the group reconvened and decided to pursue New York once again. Today, the wish embodied in the name “Pangaea”—that connections and growth expand outward—comes to fruition with their first overseas exhibition. The creative journey that began in Kumamoto now embarks on a new chapter in New York.

We hope this exhibition offers an opportunity to experience Kumamoto’s cultural richness and its promise for the future.

◇ Participating Artists (in alphabetical order, First Name Last Name):
Amon, Katsutoshi Baba, Satomi Ebata, Hirobumi Fujita, Saori Fukumiya, Hitomi Hirata, Ren Ichiki, Kaiko Itome, Rica Matsumura, Izumi Matsushima, Sayo Matsushita, Mellow Menou, Mitsuhiro Miura, Kasumi Morino, Kimiko Murata, Kazuko Nakahira, Miki Nishida, Ryutaro Noda, Yochiko Noguchi, Hiroaki Ohtomo, Yuki Sakaguchi, Pitomi Tsuda, Eri Ueno

Organized by: Pangaea Exhibition Executive Committee
Supported by: Kumamoto Prefectural Cultural Association, Kumamoto Artists Federation, Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun Co., Ltd., Kumamoto Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (RKK), TV Kumamoto Co., Ltd. (TKU), Kumamoto Kenmin Televisions Co., Ltd. (KKT), Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (KAB), FM Kumamoto Co., Ltd. (FMK), Kumamoto City FM Co., Ltd. (FM791)
Grant support provided by: Kumamoto 21 Fund (Public Interest Trust)

Kaiko Itome – “idolo,” “nota,” “poet”
Paper clay, oil paint | Each 30.31 × 9.06 in | 2025
A trio of doll sculptures combining classical form with modern color and gaze.

Ryutaro Noda – “A Clown”
Carved wood, acrylic paint | 17.32 × 5.91 × 3.94 in | 2025
A whimsical yet melancholic wooden sculpture by a self-taught marionette artist.