Barthelemy Toguo in space Un Yoshino Residency, photo by Kiyoshi Nishioka
Bridging painting, sculpture, installation, and performance, Barthélémy Toguo’s practice explores themes of migration, identity, and social justice. His art is d eeply engaged with global issues, often addressing the movement of people and goods across borders, as well as environmental and political concerns.
Toguo is also the founder of Bandjoun Station, a cultural and artistic hub in Cameroon that supports emerging African artists.
This exhibition marks a milestone for both the artist and the gallery, as a part of Space Un’s 1st-anniversary celebration, showcasing new works created during his residency at Yoshino.
During his residency in Yoshino, Barthélémy Toguo immersed himself in the natural and cultural rhythms of the region. Surrounded by forests and traditional craftsmanship, he explored new materials and techniques, creating works that reflect the dialogue between his Cameroonian roots and the deep spiritual heritage of Japan. His time in Yoshino marks a meaningful chapter in his ongoing artistic journey — one shaped by connection, ecology, and shared humanity.
While in Yoshino, Toguo collaborated with local ceramist Osamu Morimoto, who has spent over 30 years mastering his craft by Lake Teganuma in Abiko, after training in traditional wood-fired kilns. Their exchange bridged cultures and generations through clay — culminating in a series of ceramic works that embody the spirit of Yoshino and the essence of mutual respect.
Now on view – Friday, June 29, 2025
Space Un
1F KLO Minami Aoyama Building,
2-4-9 Minami Aoyama,
Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0062
Hours: 12:00 – 19:00
Closed: Mon, Tue
For more details about the exhibit, visit space Un’s website.
