Greetings for 2024

This year has passed by in a flash.

Since the beginning of the year, I have been busy with new challenges, including my first solo exhibition in five years at Art Front Gallery, the MOT Annual at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, a group exhibition at Shibuya Koen-dori Gallery in Tokyo, an outdoor project at Komazawa Olympic Park, the 100 Years Later Art Festival, participation in art fairs, several commissioned works, my first outdoor installation in Ichihara, Chiba Prefecture, and several media interviews. And just three days ago, I had the honor of presenting a video work at the Kanagawa Arts Theatre (KAAT).

It's been a year of running at full speed, and I continue to carefully face my work every day, going back and forth between my virtual world and the real world. As I gain more experience, I feel that it is becoming increasingly important for me not only to express myself as an artist, but also to respond sincerely to the viewers, exhibition venues and environments.

I also remember being busy every day as the leader of the children's group, and having the opportunity to experience the growth and changes of my family firsthand. My son is growing so fast that we now have the same shoe size! While I discover new things every day, I also find myself thinking, "Time flies by so quickly." Now in my 40s, I'm reminded of the importance of health and the preciousness of time spent with my children and parents, and I want to firmly determine the path I should take.

Recently, I've been short on time and have been spending minimal time on social media, but when I receive a like from a creator I respect, I feel such joy that all my fatigue is suddenly alleviated. Even though it may seem like a small thing, it pushes me forward and gives me the strength to take on new challenges.

New challenges await us in 2025, and we are currently in the final stages of production for a two-person exhibition at the Ota City Museum of Art and Library, which will begin in February of next year. This year, we will be giving up the New Year holidays, but we are enjoying this next step, including that.

I'm deeply grateful to everyone who encountered my work this year and took it to heart. I look forward to seeing you all again next year. I look forward to meeting you all again someday.

Happy New Year.

Iku Harada