A special exhibition of works by artist Aki Iwakawa will be held at Resol Gallery Ueno, the art gallery located inside the living lobby of Hotel Risol Ueno (7-2-9 Ueno, Taito, Tokyo). The exhibition runs from Monday, June 1 to Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Since 2024, Hotel Risol Ueno has been operating an art gallery program rooted in the spirit of Ueno — a neighborhood where art and old-town culture coexist. The gallery has hosted exhibitions across a variety of genres, including oil painting and printmaking, with artists ranging from long-established figures to emerging talents. The space is open not only to hotel guests but to the general public as well, offering an accessible encounter with art during a stay or casual visit.
The 15th featured artist is Aki Iwakawa, a graduate of the Department of Painting (Western Art) at Joshibi University of Art and Design's Faculty of Art. Iwakawa has been active across a wide range of creative formats, including solo exhibitions, live painting events, and window art for dining establishments. Her works are created in acrylic, centered around the theme of "prayer," with motifs including constellations, owls, and nocturnal landscapes. This exhibition presents seven works in total, including new pieces created especially for this occasion. Through paintings that explore the dual nature of night — its vibrancy and its quiet stillness — viewers are invited to experience the works in their own way.
Exhibition Works
"Uo Ⅱ"
(2025, acrylic on canvas, S0)
In the early stages of painting the twelve zodiac signs, Iwakawa was hesitant to stray too far from the configurations of stars that form each constellation's outline. As she explains, she felt strongly that she was painting constellations — not animals. But as she researched the mythology behind each sign, she became more interested in capturing each constellation's individual character and relationships. Pisces, in particular, gave her the freedom to loosen her approach — the image of fish swimming freely and gracefully opened her mind to a more expressive interpretation.
"Family Ⅱ – Libra & Gemini"
(2024, acrylic on canvas, F15)
Combining Libra and Gemini from the twelve zodiac signs, this piece belongs to Iwakawa's "Family" series, which depicts the bonds between family members and close friends. An owl is placed at the center of the Libra scale as a decorative element — in Iwakawa's work, the owl is a recurring, symbolic motif representing a guardian spirit.
"Family Ⅲ – Capricorn & Aquarius"
(2025, acrylic on canvas, SM)
Also part of the "Family" series, this piece pairs Capricorn and Aquarius. In mythology, Capricorn is a fantastical creature — half goat, half fish — and is known for its somewhat clumsy nature, making it one of the more endearing figures in the zodiac.
"Family Ⅳ – Taurus & Gemini"
(2025, acrylic on canvas, S0)
Another work from the "Family" series, pairing Taurus and Gemini. The bull is modeled after the African Watusi cattle, known for a commanding presence balanced by a calm and gentle temperament — qualities that made them the ideal "warm and large presence" for Gemini to comfortably lean on in this composition.
"ΑΘΕ 8"
(2026, acrylic on canvas, diameter 50 cm)
Inspired by the owl of Athena engraved on ancient Greek silver coins, Iwakawa is drawn to the tiny imagery that has survived across the centuries and layers her own colors and forms over it. Through the owl — a symbol of wisdom and protection — she expresses a quiet sense of connection between past and present, and a kind of prayer passed down across the ages.
"Aries Ⅱ"
(2026, acrylic on canvas, S3)
Aries is depicted here as a being that soars gracefully through the night sky. While Aries is traditionally associated with groundedness and forward momentum, this piece imagines the ram with wings — freed from gravity. Through layers of color and form, the work holds both the drive to move forward and the longing for freedom.
"Cosmo Moon"
(2026, acrylic on canvas, diameter 25 cm)
Taking the moon as its motif, this piece depicts a single moon floating in the night sky while conveying the sense that the entire universe is condensed within it. Through layered colors, lines, and shapes born from chance, Iwakawa expresses a mingling of stars, light, time, and fragments of memory.
About the Artist
Aki Iwakawa was born in Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture, and graduated from the Department of Painting (Western Art) at the Faculty of Art, Joshibi University of Art and Design in 2010. She has since been active in solo exhibitions, group shows, live painting events, and public art projects.
I love the night. I love the city lights and the brightness of stars, but I'm also drawn to the quiet darkness in between. The night can make me a little anxious, or cause me to overthink — but it also feels like a time when I can return to myself without being disturbed by anyone.
I hope you enjoy viewing the works at your leisure during your time in the lounge.
Selected Exhibition History:
- 2017: Shibuya Style vol.11 / Seibu Shibuya Store (Tokyo)
- 2018: Art Wonderland Yokohama / Yokohama Sogo Store (Kanagawa); New Star Art Collection / Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store (Aichi)
- 2019: Solo Exhibition "An Ordinary, Wonderful Day" / Bunbodo Gallery Cafe (Tokyo, Jimbocho); Solo Exhibition "Seeing and Hearing" / Bunbodo Gallery (Tokyo, Jimbocho)
- 2020: Shinhokai 15th Anniversary / Hosho Nohgakudo (Tokyo, Suidobashi)
- 2021: Inter Art 7 Selection "Joy, Anger, Sorrow, Pleasure" / Gallery TK2 (Tokyo, Higashi-Nihonbashi); Solo Exhibition "Telling Time" / Setagaya Art Museum Community Gallery (Tokyo)
- 2022: Solo Exhibition "Monologue" / Gallery TK2 (Tokyo, Higashi-Nihonbashi); Solo Exhibition "MINI" / Sax (Tokyo, Jiyugaoka)
- 2023: Solo Exhibition "Night Sky Parade" / Gallery TK2 (Tokyo, Higashi-Nihonbashi); Solo Exhibition "NEW" / Gallery Umineko (Kanagawa, Oiso)
- 2024: Solo Exhibition "NEW Ⅱ" / Gallery TK2 (Tokyo, Higashi-Nihonbashi); ZEROTEN 2024 Osaka / Daimaru Umeda Store (Osaka)
- 2025: SEN EXHIBIT / Morishima Coffee Stand (Tokyo, Setagaya); Asakusa Oto Matsuri Stage Live Painting / Outdoor Stage (Tokyo, Asakusa); ZEROTEN 2025 Osaka / Daimaru Umeda Store (Osaka); Shinhokai 20th Anniversary Lobby Exhibition and Stage Live Painting / Hosho Nohgakudo (Tokyo, Suidobashi)
- 2026: Aki Iwakawa Solo Exhibition / Gallery Fantasia (Sano City, Tochigi)
Exhibition Details
Dates: June 1 (Mon) to June 30 (Tue), 2026
Venue: Resol Gallery Ueno, inside the living lobby of Hotel Risol Ueno
7-2-9 Ueno, Taito, Tokyo / 1-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, Asakusa Exit or Iriya Exit
Artist: Aki Iwakawa
Admission: Free. Open to all visitors, including non-guests.
Viewing Hours:
- Hotel guests: 24 hours
- General visitors: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
