鷹巣由佳

Yuka Takasu

The term "mille-pelerille" is a coined word derived from the French words "mille" (thousand) and "feuille" (leaf), as in the well-known dessert "mille-feuille" (a thousand layers), interwoven with "pelerinage" (pilgrimage). Though it may appear to be an unusual book, it is printed on AB-size paper and compiled with "unexpected expectations," such as printing errors.

This exhibition explores traditional and contemporary printing techniques through paper and features the new handmade book "Kaiko: Vladivostok," as well as artworks influenced by an ongoing project on handmade washi paper that lasted approximately two years.

Limited edition art books will be produced in each city the exhibition travels to, following its presentations in Tokyo and Kyoto.

"Kaiko : Encounter : Встреча" by Yuka Takasu
On January 3, 2020, I traveled to Vladivostok, Russia. It was the last trip I took when the world was still "normal," before the pandemic and the war. Despite being a naval port city, the streets of Vladivostok are a cultural crossroads of Europe and Asia, filled with both exotic charm and familiarity, where Japanese cars dominate and signboards are in Russian, Korean, and Chinese characters.

The average temperature in January is -12℃. The city was wrapped in a festive mood just before Orthodox Christmas. People walked across the frozen sea. Though English wasn't spoken, the locals were incredibly warm, and we exchanged social media accounts and made connections. Then came COVID-19, followed by the war, and I lost contact with them. There are some realities we cannot change with personal effort alone, but somewhere out there, someone still holds a heart that transcends culture and nationality. How do we face one another now, as fellow human beings? This work invites us to go beyond assumptions and look into each individual life and story.

---

[Related Event 1] April 20 (Sunday)
"Create Your Own Photo Book from Yuka Takasu’s Works with Critic Kenji Takazawa"

Why not create a photo book of your own using photos by Yuka Takasu? Known for centering her artistic practice around photo books, Takasu will guide participants in creating a small handmade book using her photos.

Participants will select images, decide on the sequence, and finish a one-of-a-kind book while learning about photo book making. The session includes a talk between Takasu and photo critic Kenji Takazawa, who curated her debut exhibition at IG Photo Gallery in Tokyo.

Date: April 20 (Sun) 13:00–18:00
Venue: NEUTRAL
Capacity: 20 people
Fee: 10,000 yen (tax included, cash payment at the venue)

[Schedule]
13:00–13:50 Talk: Yuka Takasu x Kenji Takazawa
14:00–17:00 Workshop: Make Your Own Yuka Takasu Photo Book
17:10–18:00 Review of Participants' Books

* If you wish to use your own photos, please bring:
- A7 size (Max 32 photos)
- Postcard size (Max 16 photos)

[How to Apply]
Form: https://forms.gle/VaTEzgJkYKRKew7T9
Or by phone: 075-431-5537 (first-come, first-served basis)

---

[Related Event 2] May 11 (Sunday)
"Make a Dummy Book from a Single A3 Sheet"

This workshop shows how to make a versatile photo book using just one sheet of A3 paper. Great for beginners and experienced creators alike.

Date: May 11 (Sun) Morning Session: 10:30–13:30 / Afternoon Session: 15:00–18:00
Venue: NEUTRAL
Capacity: 8 participants per session
Fee: 8,000 yen (tax included, cash payment at the venue)

[Workshop Flow]
1) Presentation (1 hour): Learn 2 base book types, fold/cut A3 paper to shape a book
2) Book Making (1.5 hours): Create your own dummy book using printed photos
3) Viewing (30 mins): Share works, photo session of finished books

[How to Apply]
Form: https://forms.gle/VSLaiVgaftwcmecN7
Or by phone: 075-431-5537 (first-come, first-served basis)

---

[Venue Access]
NEUTRAL
2F, Horikawa Shinbunka Building, 287 Saikachicho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8242
1-min walk from Horikawa Shopping Street North / 10-min walk from Seimei Shrine

Bus: Routes 9, 12, 50, 67 (get off at Horikawa Nakadachiuri, 1-min walk)
Subway: 20-min walk from Imadegawa Station or Marutamachi Station (Karasuma Line)
15-min walk from Nijojo-mae Station (Tozai Line)

[Contact]
NEUTRAL Gallery (Open 10:00–19:00)
Tel: 075-431-5537