A new large-scale gallery, “nudge field,” is set to open in the heart of Shinjuku, Tokyo, in spring 2025.
This exciting addition to Tokyo’s art scene is the result of a collaboration between biscuit gallery, which is relocating from the vibrant Matsuo Bunkamura Street in Shibuya, and the newly established AWASE gallery. The gallery complex will occupy a newly-renovated floor in a historic building just three minutes’ walk from Shinjuku Station, covering approximately 50 tsubo (around 165 square meters). The space will feature three dedicated exhibition floors designed by AWASE gallery’s Riku Matsui, along with architects Kenta Seki and Kosuke Nakamura.
With its prime location and fresh approach to gallery space, “nudge field” is expected to become a key destination for art lovers and collectors alike.
Since its opening in March 2021, biscuit gallery has represented over 200 emerging and up-and-coming artists, earning widespread support both domestically and internationally. As the gallery enters its fifth year in 2025, it has decided to relocate in order to expand its global reach and further fulfill its mission. With this move, Yukako Atsuchi will join as the new director, aiming to enhance the gallery’s exhibition environment and strengthen its operational foundation.
Regarding the move, we made this decision to further advance our activities in response to environmental changes since our founding, as well as the evolving situation under our theme of “Global Action” and our proactive expansion overseas. Drawing on our past experiences, this move presents an opportunity for even greater growth. We view this as the second phase of our founding and will operate under a new structure, working closely with AWASE gallery and focusing on global expansion.
Mahiro Kobayashi (Representative of biscuit gallery)
AWASE gallery is a new gallery operated by architect Riku Matsui and artist Kohei Yamada, based at “nudge field.” Yamada oversees the annual program, which includes solo and group exhibitions centered around visual art. Matsui integrates architectural perspectives and ideas from various fields into the programming, creating a space where different media cultures intersect, fostering the creation of new value.
Our connection with biscuit gallery began when we were invited to participate in their inaugural group exhibition. Since then, we’ve had many opportunities, including solo exhibitions, which have helped us build a strong relationship. For the new space in Shinjuku, there are three sections, and I wanted to invite a gallery that I trust and have a close connection with. Naturally, biscuit gallery came to mind as a candidate.
biscuit gallery actively showcases exhibitions by young artists and is an indispensable presence in today’s art scene. Their approach aligns closely with the direction I aim for in exhibitions and programs. For example, their efforts to utilize space effectively and expand opportunities for collaboration, such as through group exhibitions, resonate deeply with me. I believe they are an ideal partner, and through this new space, I look forward to expanding many possibilities together.
Kohei Yamada comment
The third exhibition room, “on,” which connects the exhibition spaces of both galleries, will operate as a shared space. It will serve as a venue for a wide range of activities, including exhibitions by visual artists, presentations by architects, children’s workshops, collaborative projects with local communities and businesses, and artist support programs.
While biscuit gallery and AWASE gallery each hold their own unique exhibitions, they will also collaborate on joint programs. For their first joint initiative, they will co-exhibit at the art fair ‘ART OSAKA’ in June, featuring an installation by Saeko Nasu (painter), represented by biscuit gallery, and Yuta Shimoda (architectural structural engineer), recommended by AWASE gallery. Additionally, for the second initiative, AWASE gallery will assist in recruiting artists for biscuit gallery’s open-call program, “grid next: 2025 – Emerging Artists Showcase.” The two galleries will also collaborate on a new curator support project that expands on biscuit gallery’s previous “biscuit gallery Curator Projects.” Other plans include international collaboration projects and joint exhibitions utilizing both galleries’ spaces.
Yukako Atsuchi’s Comment
After about four years in Shibuya, we are moving to Shinjuku. The move itself brings new excitement, but by sharing the floor with AWASE gallery, I hope to create new developments beyond exhibitions and build an engaging space together with our visitors. Please look forward to it.
Kohei Yamada’s Comment
This initiative naturally emerged while I continued making artwork. Initially, I focused on “landscape,” which led to a growing interest in nature, urban spaces, and the architecture that makes up the city. Through this process, the desire to have my own space emerged, and it became an opportunity to meet many people.
The “painting” in the word “painter” also refers to “partition” or “area.” I believe a painter’s work is to constantly reexamine contemporary frameworks and create new partitions and perspectives. This new attempt is a step towards updating this “painting” and creating a space to share it with many people.
Riku Matsui’s Comment
Not only will there be art exhibitions, but exhibitions by architects and designers will also take place. Sometimes, artists and architects will collaborate to create works together. One of the features of both galleries is the shared space, which serves as a venue for various challenges. This space is also considered a project to create a new base that will be carried over after the building is rebuilt in a few years. I hope that the accumulation of activities, including exhibitions here, will contribute to shaping the future of the building.
