《Knowledge》 H1630×W1300mm, oil on canvas, 2026
CCC Art Lab’s artist book series 'First Selection,' which introduces emerging talents, will release its second volume: 'First Selection Shinya Azuma.' To mark this occasion, Tsutaya Bookstore Ginza (6F, GINZA SIX, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) will host a solo exhibition by Shinya Azuma titled 'The Limits of Lying Flat' from June 27 (Sat), 2026 to July 15 (Wed), 2026, at its in-store event space, GINZA ATRIUM.
Special Feature Page｜https://store.tsite.jp/ginza/event/art/55072-0941160616.html
Overview
Born in Osaka in 1994, Shinya Azuma has consistently focused his artistic practice on human folly and arrogance. His signature style involves projecting current events and everyday occurrences onto himself or animals, embedding cynical messages within seemingly warm and gentle motifs. The figures in his works often appear comical, slovenly, yet oddly endearing—mirroring the hidden desires, resignation, weaknesses, and selfishness that reside within all of us.
This exhibition, commemorating the publication of Azuma’s first monograph, will feature 11 works, primarily new pieces. The title, 'The Limits of Lying Flat,' references the Chinese social phenomenon 'Tang Ping' (lying flat), a quiet resistance to the logic of competition and growth in modern society. However, the exhibition turns its attention to the limitations of this very attitude. Can we truly detach ourselves from society? Or does the act of rejecting something inherently place us in relation to it? These questions are explored through the artworks.
The exhibited piece 'Knowledge' evokes the image of 'book burning,' depicting a figure reading a book and another setting it on fire. It suggests how humans have historically engaged with knowledge, history, and values—sometimes worshipping them, sometimes attempting to destroy them. While Azuma’s works have previously been discussed in the context of masculinity and vulnerability, this exhibition embraces those interpretations while expanding the scope toward the irreducible complexity of human existence.
Azuma participated in a group exhibition at Kyoto Tsutaya Bookstore in March 2026 and has exhibited internationally in recent years, including solo shows in Paris and Shanghai. He received high acclaim for his solo booth presentation at Art Basel Hong Kong in 2025. This exhibition presents Azuma’s current artistic position as he reflects on his accumulated practice and moves toward new inquiries.
《Careless mistake》 910×727mm, Oil on canvas, 2026 《Moody Dream》 803×652mm, Oil on canvas, 2026
Book Information
The monograph features 82 works created from 2019, when Azuma solidified his current artistic style, up to 2025. It includes an essay by Atsushi Shindo, Senior Researcher at the National Museum of Western Art, who curated the museum’s first contemporary art exhibition in 2024. The essay explores the essential role of 'humor' in understanding Azuma’s works.
ⓒKentaro Ishibashi / Studio M
'First Selection Shinya Azuma'
Publisher: Culture Convenience Club
Distributor: Mitsumura Tosho Shuppan
Price: ¥4,500 + tax
Release Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Specifications: 116 pages, A4 variant, hardcover
ISBN: 978-4-8381-9875-7 C0071
Purchase here: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4838198752
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Artwork Sales
Exhibited artworks will be available for purchase at the venue starting June 27, 2026 (Sat) at 11:00 a.m.
※Sales may end before the exhibition period due to pre-sales.
Additionally, a special limited edition monograph with an original drawing, limited to 25 copies, will be available via lottery on the art e-commerce platform 'OIL' from June 24 (Wed), 2026 at 3:00 p.m. to July 15 (Wed), 2026 at 6:00 p.m. For details, please visit the special feature page.
Special Feature Page｜https://store.tsite.jp/ginza/event/art/55072-0941160616.html
Artist Profile
Shinya Azuma
Born 1994, Osaka Prefecture
2018 Graduated from Painting Course, Department of Fine Arts and Crafts, Kyoto University of the Arts (formerly Kyoto University of Art and Design)
2020 Graduated from Painting Program, Graduate School of Kyoto University of the Arts
Recent Solo Exhibitions
2025 'Magic Circle — Ultimate Summon —' EUKARYOTE (Tokyo)
2025 'Body Breakthrough' Bao Room by Bao Foundation (Shanghai)
2024 'Yaroshiku' Galerie Marguo (France)
2023 'Teleportation: Zanarkand ⇆ Restroom' rin art association (Gunma)
2022 'shame~inescapable, MAN~' COHJU (Kyoto)
2021 'Knuckleball from the Jungle' EUKARYOTE (Tokyo)
2020 'Human. Human? Human!' COHJU (Kyoto)
Major Group Exhibitions
2026 'Interwoven Chapters' Kyoto Tsutaya Bookstore Exhibition Space (Kyoto)
2025 'Bright Harvest' HEIGEN/KOGEN (Aichi)
2025 'Garbage, Pencil, and Art Exhibition' UNKNOWN HARAJUKU (Tokyo)
2024 'RC Pottery Market' RC HOTEL (Kyoto)
2024 'KOU -HAPPY-' COHJU (Kyoto)
2024 'Reiwa 5 New Acquisitions Exhibition' Toyota Municipal Museum of Art (Aichi)
Exhibition Details
Shinya Azuma 'The Limits of Lying Flat'
Dates｜June 27 (Sat), 2026 – July 15 (Wed), 2026
Hours｜11:00–20:00 (Closed at 18:00 on final day)
Venue｜Tsutaya Bookstore Ginza (GINZA ATRIUM)
Organizer｜Tsutaya Bookstore Ginza
Admission｜Free
Inquiries｜[email protected]
Special Feature Page｜https://store.tsite.jp/ginza/event/art/55072-0941160616.html
Opening Reception
June 26 (Fri), 18:00–20:00 ※Artist in attendance. Open to all.
Talk Event Announcement
June 27 (Sat) Doors open 13:30, Start 14:00, End approx. 15:00
Speakers: Shinya Azuma, Atsushi Shindo (Senior Researcher, National Museum of Western Art) ※Free admission. Please come directly to the venue.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Event