Solo Exhibition “Bento” DE BOUWPUT(Amsterdam) Feb 4-Feb 9, 2025
We plan to exhibit 15 works from the “Bento series“, which introduces a minimalist way of life through the traditional Japanese culture of bento. Each work in the series is presented as a three-part set: a painting, a receipt for the purchased ingredients, and a cooking recipe.
- Title: Bento
- Term: February 4 to February 9, 2025 / 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm *Open throughout the exhibition
- Opening Reception: Saturday, February 8, 6 pm – 9 pm
*plan to hold a workshop where participants can enjoy making Japanese DIY candy kits. - Admission fee: Free
- Venue: DE BOUWPUT Ferdinand Huyckstraat 74, 1061 HW Amsterdam, The Netherlands Google Map
- Artist: Tomoni Shintaku
- Website: https://debouwput.com
Exhibition Concept:
This exhibition is primarily composed of my signature series, “BENTO.” Initially, this series began as an attempt to blend the unique Japanese bento culture with the philosophies of Zen and minimalism. However, over time, it has come to emphasize documentary and archival aspects, evolving into a long-term project spanning ten years. As of 2025, the project is in its fourth year, producing one piece per month, totaling 120 works. This ongoing creation process reflects the passage of time and the changing meaning of the works.
Bento is intimately connected to daily life. From the perspective of food, it represents human existence itself. Ultimately, humans live to eat. This unbroken activity from birth to death is characterized by its endless repetition, day after day, without boredom. Most people forget that the act of living is intrinsically monotonous. This is why I believe the Bento series should be pursued steadily over the long term.
While sourcing ingredients from supermarkets in the Netherlands, Japan, and various other countries, I become keenly aware of cultural differences and economic shifts like inflation. The receipts for the ingredients are not mere records but can serve as documents reflecting the changing times. By noting current events in the margins of recipes, I encourage viewers to recall past occurrences and consider them in contrast with the present.
Through this exhibition, “BENTO,” I hope that both I, as the artist, and the viewers can feel the weight of being swept up in the tides of our era.
A selection of the works scheduled for the exhibition.
Contemporary artist based in the Netherlands. I’ve learned at an Art College and Culinary Institute. I attempt to connect ART and FOOD.
