It is my great pleasure to be assigned to the position of Executive Director in March 2023.
Gallery A4 was established in 2005 when the Takenaka Corporation main office Tokyo was relocated, and since then, with the support of architects, experts, and many other people involved in art and culture, we have conducted exhibitions and other activities to promote architectural culture as well as society, culture, art, and daily life from our own perspective. We also host lectures and conduct workshops with children, and I believe we have succeeded in providing opportunities for people to get together and think, and to experience various feelings and connections.
In today’s world, where society is changing dramatically on a global scale and the effects of the earth’s environment and international affairs impact our daily lives, we will continue to deliver content that will remain in your hearts and minds, so please stop by.
April 1, 2023
Tetsuya Sekiya
Executive Director
In our daily lives we are surrounded by architectural spaces, which create an environment comprised not only of people working, people living, and people passing by, but also of other living creatures, plants, water, and air, all interconnected with each other.
Gallery A4 is a space for people to connect with, learn about, touch, and identify with various architecture-related aspects from society and daily life through exhibitions. By means of a variety of media, we also explore how we can contribute to a better future, viewing architecture as an extension in our daily lives.
The four A’s in Gallery A4 (“Gallery A-quad”) stand for Art, Architecture, Atmosphere, and “the other A” that we would like to explore together with you.
Here, I would like to add one more wish, that we are a space where everyone can come together. We aim to be a place that, no matter when you come, offers encounters, exploration, and discovery.
With a diverse and colorful range of projects, it is my hope that Gallery A4 can be a “garden” for everyone, the kind of place where you might drop by in jeans and a T-shirt or even more formal attire, but also a place of learning.
In today’s world, with networks expanding in complexity, it seems to me that the pendulum that swung too far in pursuit of convenience and speed is swinging back little by little, and we are now trying to regain our sensitivity and a sense of reverence for nature. It is my hope that in these times, we can apply our ingenuity to deliver exhibitions that resonate deeply with people.
May the encounters and discoveries you make here infuse your daily life with excitement.
April 1, 2023
Michiyo Okabe
Director, Gallery A4
Yasutomo Ishii Office Chief
2020 marks the 15th year since the official opening of Gallery A4. In order to contribute to our stated purpose of promoting art and architecture, I believe it is important to strengthen our foundation as a public interest incorporated foundation and practice sustainable activities. To promote architectural culture and contribute to society, I think it is essential that I myself enjoy arts and culture by participating in many Gallery A4 events and cultural activities. I look forward to meeting you at our next event.
Yoriko Manabe Office Staff
At Gallery A4, I am mainly involved in the management of operations. I also do a wide range of support activities such as exhibition construction and workshop assistance. Managing seven exhibitions a year is actually a test of physical strength. While applying the “keep going forward” spirit that I bring to my hobby, long-distance running, I hope that we can continue to provide attractive exhibitions that everyone can enjoy.
Kei Tokuhira Office Staff
Even familiar streets and buildings that you see every day may look a little more interesting if you try viewing them through different lenses—for example, by focusing on design or lifestyle, or learning about the history or background. I would like to continue learning more and more so that we can provide everyone with the opportunity to enjoy architecture through our exhibitions and events.
Yuria Fukazawa Office Staff
Through my involvement with educational activities such as museum workshops, I learned the importance of promoting art culture. Through a mere change of perspective, a single exhibition has the power to reveal many previously hidden worlds. I want to make art more accessible and contribute to the creation of exhibits that can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages.
Kazumi Futo Office Staff
I became involved with Gallery A4 after studying architecture and working in lighting design. When I was a student, our school motto was “Nourish your eyes, move your hands.” I would like to move my mind and body a lot so that we can deliver exhibitions that appeals to the curiosity and sensitivity of everyone who comes.