Ghost Note

Solo exhibition “Ghost Note”, 2025. Courtesy of the Artist and AISHO.

AISHO Tokyo is delighted to present “Ghost Note,” a solo exhibition by Moe Shimada, on viewing from August 20 to September 6, 2025.

Born in 1995, Shimada graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, majoring in Oil Painting, and is currently based in Tokyo. The term “ghost note” derives from Shimada’s background as a former bass player, referring to subtle notes that play a crucial role in supporting the overall rhythm, while not clearly audible.

Throughout her practice, Shimada has pushed the boundaries of artistic expression by working with digitally manipulated photographs featuring impossible saturations and textures. She meticulously recreates these images in oil paint, capturing even the finest details of digital noise with remarkable precision. By applying this contemporary approach to traditional formats such as portraits and still lifes, she creates an intriguing dialogue between classical and modern painting techniques, revealing new possibilities in pictorial expression.

In this exhibition, Shimada explores the concept of subtle yet significant transformation. Her new works demonstrate how small changes can gradually alter the overall rhythm and composition of a painting. While maintaining her foundation in oil painting, she has expanded her technical repertoire to include acrylics and airbrush techniques, creating new possibilities in color layering and textural expression.

The exhibition will showcase a series of 10 paintings, including still life works featuring fruits – a new direction in her practice. These works, together with her established style, invite viewers to experience the presence of “Ghost Notes” in visual form – those subtle elements that, while not immediately apparent, fundamentally shape the whole.

A opening reception with artist attendance will be held on August 20 from 5-7 pm. We warmly welcome you to attend!

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