Exhibition Introduction by the Group
The Japanese have lived with kami (gods) and kami (paper) since ancient times. To this day, people have projected their limitless imaginations onto blank paper—a material of rich potential that ceaselessly changes with the times while imparting richness to lifestyle and art. The Japanese, moreover, held a unique spiritual view of countless gods residing in nature, and on this basis, they produced their food, clothing, and shelter. Nature’s benevolence, itself, became the foundation on which people placed their faith.
What is the true value of “paper” in today’s increasingly information-oriented lifestyle? In 2014, Japan’s traditional washi paper was registered as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage and obtained international recognition. This is good, but we must remain clearly aware of the fact that washi paper, by becoming something special in the world, loses its natural connection to everyday life. By using this special material which is kami—both paper and god—as our primary medium in the age of digital technology, we hope to deliver a message to society.

Group Profile
A group formed of three artists who each employ paper as their medium in exploring the theme of paper and its connection to people, society, spirit, and nature. The group works under the name MITSUMATA, taken from mitsumata, the raw material of washi paper. Projecting their imaginations onto this paper filled with possibilities, the artists engage in creation in the digital age, employing the name, variability, value, and potential of this special material, “paper.”