From November 7th to 10th, Tokyo transforms into a vibrant hub for art lovers with the return of Art Week Tokyo (AWT). Featuring standout programs like “AWT FOCUS,” a “buyable exhibition,” and “AWT VIDEO,” a captivating collection of video artworks, the event offers an exciting blend of creativity. Visitors can easily explore the array of exhibitions across museums and galleries, hopping between venues aboard a free shuttle bus.
Among the 53 participating venues, singer-songwriter Salasa paid a visit to Takahashi Ishii Gallery, currently showcasing the thought-provoking exhibition “The Toys of Peace” by Justin Kagiat & Raphael de la Cruz. After taking in the works, Salasa, known for her hands-on approach to music artwork and live event design, reflected on her personal journey with art and the deep connection she’s built with it over the years.
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Anticipating the Energy of Serendipitous Creations in a Two-Person Exhibition
Among the AWT participating venues, you selected Takahashi Ishii Gallery to visit the “The Toys of Peace” exhibition. What made you choose this particular exhibition?
Salasa: When I saw the main visual for the exhibition, it immediately caught my attention. I thought the serendipity that comes from a two-person exhibition could also make it interesting, so I chose it.

Do you enjoy works that involve an element of coincidence?
Salasa: Yes, I do. When I create music, I usually collaborate with a trackmaker. While I provide references and share my thoughts, the results are often something I never expected. There’s something special about working with others—moments when the collaboration produces something that pushes me beyond my own limits. I believe that the unexpected energy and chance that come from creating together hold a unique power, not just in music but in all forms of art.

A singer-songwriter from Shonan. Not limited to her music career, she also works as an artist, apparel brand buyer, photographer, and hula dancer, expanding her activities in diverse and free-spirited ways. Drawing inspiration from the blues genre, which was born out of sadness and despair, she embraces her coined phrase “Live Bluesy” as a theme, transforming negative emotions and experiences into art.
In the installation-style exhibition, the gallery staff mentioned that the video works feature a character that mirrors the artist, overwhelmed by the act of creation. You seemed to really connect with that.
Salasa: The feeling of being overwhelmed by the act of creation really hit me—it was so much like myself. It wasn’t one cohesive story, but rather a patchwork of different images coming together. I resonated with it so deeply that it created its own meaning within me.


Salasa: I liked the painting works simply for their color schemes and the overall vibe. They felt very familiar and approachable.
