INTERVIEW

Yumiko Chiba Associates
Assistant Director Yuki Miyanaka

　Yumiko Chiba, founder of Yumiko Chiba Associates, has managed many artists and was involved in the launch of this gallery in Aoyama’s Spiral Garden. The gallery manages art and holds exhibitions every one-two months, centering on Jiro Takamatsu, who is known as a pioneer of conceptual art. We put a lot of energy into publishing. We produce a booklet that critiques artists and works currently on display. We also hold talk events.
　Personally, I joined six years ago after studying in London and working at an ad agency for six years. I invite artists from partner galleries in London and New York while also attending art events in Paris and Hong Kong.
　Due to our wide recognition overseas, there are many visitors from foreign countries. At some exhibitions open on Saturdays, the artist attends and people gather around on the sofas in the back, making it look like some kind of salon gathering.
　This place was chosen by Chiba herself; the green of the Central Park, which you can see through the window, was the deciding factor. When I first came through the gallery, I found it was completely different from my original impression of Shinjuku. I became interested in this quiet, calm, neat city.
　We have a close relationship with HAGIWARA PROJECTS, another gallery in the neighborhood, both personally and professionally, and hold collaborative exhibitions from time to time. This gallery is open to everyone, so it would be great if the community circle expanded with the opening of the hotel.