[Art Month Report] 034 The Fluctuations of TORIMU
A little past 10:20 AM.
I was at Beppu Kitahama, 20 minutes behind schedule.
I was supposed to have arrived at today's destination by 10:00, but...
Buses have been running late often lately, making it hard to predict the time.
I hurried toward Gallery Shimaya.
I was there to see works created by the people at "Atelier Torimu," a continuous employment support facility in Nishi-Oita.
The moment I stepped into the gallery, colorful coffee bags welcomed me.
At "Atelier Torimu," users create works under instructors in various genres, such as leather goods and paintings, and this time they are being sold in this format.
(Actually, I would later meet someone who works as a craft instructor at Torimu in a different location.)
As a postcard collector, I couldn't resist.
There was also a section for paper goods like stationery and postcards.
Just as I reached out to pick up a coffee cup with a pattern reminiscent of Onta ware and an adorable cat illustration, the person who created this postcard happened to arrive at the venue.
When I said, "It's truly adorable! I exchange postcards with people overseas, and I might send this to some country abroad someday!" they were very happy.
Illustrations of folk costumes.
For someone like me who loves folk costumes, this is irresistible.
Not only are the costumes themselves illustrated,
but the background patterns also represent the characteristics of each country and are very cute.
What's surprising is the number of illustrations.
I haven't counted them properly, but I think there are probably 100.
When it comes to folk costumes, flashy ones like those from the Netherlands or Russia tend to get the most attention, but this artist also draws costumes from lesser-known countries and ethnic groups like the Sami and Georgia, which was very impressive.
I actually wanted to spend about another hour looking at them carefully, but I had plans after 11:00, so I could only see a few.
If there were postcards this lovely, I would definitely want them...
A house for cats called a "Neko Chigura" (cat basket).
It seems that Yurimu-san also participates in a rescue cat project called the "Nikukyu Project."
Since those cats are happy to go into these cat baskets, it's said that sometimes people who adopt them take them home along with the basket.
The thought of a cat being inside this,
just imagining it makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
I didn't have time to see it,
but there was also a space in the back selling "Saori weaving" exhibits.
For those who love handmade items, the "TORIMU no Yuragi" exhibition is irresistible.
There are truly so many different works, so if you go, I recommend not scheduling anything afterward and giving yourself plenty of time.
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034 TORIMU no Yuragi
9/26 (Thu) - 9/29 (Sun) 10:00 - 17:00
Location: Gallery Shimaya (7-4 Matsubara-cho, Beppu City)
Admission: Free
Reservation: Not required
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