[Exhibition Information] BEGIN's Shimabukuro Yuu's first art exhibition in Tokyo will be held from March 11th

Plus Art Co., Ltd. (English: plus art co.,ltd., location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, representative: Taku Nitta), a company that operates a business based on the theme of enjoying contemporary art, will hold a solo exhibition of "Guitart Islandart" (read: Guitar Islandart) by Shimabukuro Yu, guitar vocalist of the three-member band "BEGIN" from Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, at +ART GALLERY on the 3rd floor of Tokyu Plaza Shibuya from March 11, 2024.

After three years of operating a gallery on the 14th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square in the heart of Shibuya, +ART GALLERY will be expanding to the 3rd floor of Tokyu Plaza Shibuya in Shibuya Fukuras, a new commercial facility in Shibuya. +ART GALLERY will continue to hold special exhibitions with the aim of increasing the number of people who enjoy art collections and supporting the careers of artists.

About Solo Exhibition “Guitart Islandart”

As a student, Masaru Shimabukuro aimed to enter an art school. He was originally interested in painting and design, and worked on the CD artwork for BEGIN. He had often drawn pictures as a hobby, but after moving to Okinawa about 10 years ago, he began making art in earnest.

He has exhibited his work at various art exhibitions, with a style inspired by music, Okinawan culture, and life in Okinawa, and last year he held his first solo exhibition, "NEIRO - Sound and Color in Life," in Okinawa Prefecture.

"Guitart Islandart" (pronounced: Guitart Islandart) will be Shimabukuro's first solo exhibition in Tokyo.

Shimabukuro's first work after moving to Okinawa	The guitar body is designed with a sound hole that acts as a speaker. An iPad is placed inside, allowing the sound of waves to play along with the video.
Past Exhibition Works	Past Exhibition Works

The title of "Guitart Islandart" is

Guitart = A portmanteau of "Guitar" (the instrument) and "ART" (the instrument BEGIN plays in the band).
Islandart is a combination of the words "Islander" and "ART" and was named by Shimabukuro himself.

Shimabukuro, who is active in the island nation of Okinawa, draws works that are rich in nature, such as colors and motifs, and are full of the perspective of an islander. In addition, as he is a guitarist, he draws guitars and creates works with unique ideas that utilize guitars, which are unique to Shimabukuro.

On Wednesday, February 21st, he will release his first solo album, "55rpm."

On Wednesday, February 21st, he will release his first solo album, "55rpm"! A number of guest artists with ties to Shimabukuro Yu will be participating in the album. The album jacket for this work is a self-portrait that he painted himself, and will be exhibited for the first time at this art exhibition.

(Special website: https://www.teichiku.co.jp/artist/shimabukuro-masaru/55rpm/ )

Explanation of works by artist and mini live performance

On the final day of the exhibition, Sunday, March 17th, Shimabukuro will be giving a talk on his works and a mini live performance. For details, please visit BEGIN Check out the BEGIN official website !

Please keep an eye on Shimabukuro Masaru, who is active in many fields beyond just music.

Comment from Masaru Shimabukuro

I never thought I'd have my own solo exhibition in Tokyo!
I'm feeling a bit embarrassed and wondering what kind of exhibition I should have, but I want as many people as possible to see my work.
I hope that through my solo exhibition I can convey to everyone the joy of painting and the joy of enjoying music!

Solo Exhibition ARTIST: Shimabukuro Yu

Profile

Profile / Art

As a student, Shimabukuro Yu aimed to enter an art college. He was originally interested in painting and design, and although he often painted as a hobby, he started painting seriously after returning to Okinawa about 10 years ago.
With musical instruments and familiar subjects as motifs, and with the theme of "Okinawa life and music," many of his works express the Okinawan nature that catches his eye with "color." He has exhibited his works at various art exhibitions in the past, but in 2023 he will hold his first solo exhibition in Okinawa, "NEIRO ~Sound and Color in Life~." The album jacket for this work is also a self-portrait drawn by the artist himself.

Profile / Music

Originally from Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, he debuted in 1990 with "Koishikute" and has since released songs that are sung by people of all ages and genders, such as "Shimanchu no Takara," "Namida Sou Sou," and "Egao no Manma." He is the guitarist for BEGIN.
He has released Shimobuku Records, a unit with Shimoji Isamu, and "Shimabukuro Yu (BEGIN) with Ichi-Go-Ichi-E All-Stars plays Disney."
In recent years, he has attracted much attention by composing the song "Umi no Koe" (Voice of the Sea), which was used as a commercial song, but he has also written and produced songs for various artists.
He also works as a guitarist with Kantaro Uchida and Two Tones, Shingo Maekawa of Kariyushi 58, and Isamu Shimoji and Mango Twisters.

＜Information＞

●"55rpm" special website: https://www.teichiku.co.jp/artist/shimabukuro-masaru/55rpm/
●BEGIN Official HP: https://www.begin1990.com
●YouTube “BEGIN ch”: https://youtube.com/@BEGINch

How to sell your work

Works for sale will be announced and displayed at the +ART Online Shop or in-store (+ART GALLERY) from 11:00 on March 11th, and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis .

We plan to sell merchandise at the venue. More details will be announced on social media at a later date.

Visiting Days / Public Relations