Playful Scramble in Dragon’s Lair - Hayaki Nishigaki Solo Exhibition

wamono art is excited to hold the first solo exhibition on Kyoto-born artist Hayaki Nishigaki in Hong Kong. This show will feature new works from Nishigaki’s representative series: Rakuchu Rakugai-zu (A Day), Hyakkiyako (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons), Enso (Circle), Taki (Waterfall), and Sansui (Landscape). Notably, new works created with a Hong Kong theme from Rakuchu Rakugai-zu will be unveiled for the first time.

Nishigaki reinterprets Rakuchu Rakugai-zu – originally created between the Muromachi and Edo periods – through a modern lens. Historically, Rakuchu Rakugai-zu depicted Kyoto from a bird’s-eye view, showcasing groups of tourists, townspeople’s troubles, and famous places, etc. Nishigaki honors the classical elements, such as golden clouds and townscapes, while incorporating various issues of modern society into his works, sounding a humorous warning against the trend of instant consumption. Nishigaki’s works consistently express a sense of “misalignment,” depicted as a vivid story of people who are honest with their desires. By arranging contradictory elements, Nishigaki aims to expose the “evil spirits and monsters (Chimimoryo)” hidden behind the liveliness and startle the viewer.

Inspired by the playfulness that he felt when he actually got a bird’s-eye view of Hong Kong Island from the Peak, Nishigaki has created a collection of new works specifically for this exhibition. The term “Dragon’s Lair ” in the title refers to auspicious lands in Feng Shui, believed to harbor potent power (Qi) and bring good luck, prosperity, economic benefits, and social status to residents. In Hong Kong, clusters of high-rise buildings strategically positioned along mountainsides reflect this belief, blending advanced technology with ancient Feng Shui principles. Nishigaki explores this juxtaposition, highlighting Hong Kong’s contrasts: its rich history alongside rapid economic growth, and the layers of time and culture that coexist. These dynamic and multifaceted aspects are at the heart of his latest creations.