Contemporary Fiber Artist Hidemi Shimura
20th Anniversary Solo Exhibition
Gently, flexibly, like thread. I am pleased to present a solo exhibition looking back on the 20-year career as contemporary artist Hidemi Shimura, who creates artworks using embroidery thread.
Thread may seem delicate—it can be cut easily with scissors—yet it is surprisingly strong when pulled by hand. Perhaps our emotional connections and relationships with the world are made of similar unseen strength.
For the past 20 years, Shimura has continued to create works with thread.
The colorful combinations of embroidery threads and the way the artworks change expression depending on the angle and light reflect unexpected harmony and beauty hidden in a seemingly chaotic world.
Even what seems chaotic up close may, from a little distance, emerge as a beautiful landscape.
We hope you will enjoy this unique visual experience.
At the venue, I will also exhibit large, soft sculptures that visitors can touch and enjoy.
I will create a space where even small children—who may not usually encounter art—can experience it with their entire bodies, not just their eyes.
I warmly welcome everyone—children and adults alike—with gratitude for the past 20 years.
Have you ever heard of “fiber art”?
Fiber art is a genre of contemporary art that uses materials such as thread, fabric, felt, and yarn.
Though it is gaining recognition internationally, fiber art is still relatively unfamiliar in Japan.
I hope this exhibition will offer many visitors a chance to experience fiber art firsthand.
In addition to wall-mounted works, the exhibition will feature installations and three-dimensional pieces.
I aim to create an inviting and approachable atmosphere, so please feel free to stop by and enjoy.
There will also be a giant plush artwork that children can touch and enjoy!
| Exhibition Dates: | Tuesday, July 29 – Tuesday, August 5, 2025 |
| Hours: | 11:00 – 20:00 (until 19:00 on the final day) |
| Venue: | Shibuya Hikarie 8F, 8/CUBE 1, 2, 3 |
| Admission: | Free of charge |
You can also view and purchase the exhibited works here↓
About the Artist and Her Work
Artworks created by coiling thread
Using thread as her primary medium, she skillfully expresses the world around us—our relationships with others, and our connections to the world itself.
Her works are created by coiling embroidery thread around acrylic boards and rods to form stripe-like compositions. The glossy texture changes depending on the viewing angle, revealing delicate surfaces and rich layers that cannot be fully conveyed through photographs.
Colorful and Expressive Works
The works are vividly colorful, yet they retain the soft texture unique to thread. Due to the sheen of the thread and how it interacts with light, the appearance of the pieces changes depending on the viewing angle.
When viewed up close, you may notice colors placed side by side that normally wouldn’t be combined. But from a distance, countless combinations of colors come together to form a single, beautiful world. This reflects the artist’s perspective that, while the world is chaotic and complex, by taking a step back, one can discover unexpected harmony.
A Global Perspective and Extensive Exhibition Experience
After majoring in fashion design at university, Shimura worked as a 3DCG creator for several years before starting her career as a contemporary artist. Shortly after her debut, she held a solo exhibition in Paris. Since then, she has participated in solo and group exhibitions, as well as art fairs, not only in Japan but also in China, Taiwan, Europe, and the United States. Her works are now part of private collections around the world.
From 2006 to 2013, she was based in Shanghai, where she continued her artistic activities. This experience helped her embrace a wide range of perspectives and cultural differences, which now inform and enrich her creative practice.
Expanding Artistic Expression Through Experimental Approaches
In addition to her signature colorful works, Shimura also creates experimental pieces using various techniques—such as stretching countless threads in precise tension or crafting dense stitched patterns with a sewing machine.
While continuing to focus on vibrant, colorful compositions, she constantly challenges herself with new forms of expression, including experimental works and installations, thereby expanding the scope and potential of her art.
Introduction of each artwork series
Silent Invader
This long-running signature series has been produced since the artist’s debut, with over 300 works finding homes across the globe. The pieces are composed of embroidery thread coiled around acrylic panels, combined with barcode elements.
The unique harmony created by the texture of the thread and its color combinations expresses a contrast between artificial constructs and the world surrounding us.
Parallel World
This series emerged as a result of mastering a more advanced technique—coiling thread around square rods.
Transparent acrylic rods wrapped with silk embroidery thread are combined with acrylic mirrors to create layered expressions of a “parallel world.”
Morning Dawn
The Morning Dawn series is created by coiling cotton embroidery thread around thick paper.
A circular mat is placed inside a deep frame, evoking the hues and atmosphere of a morning sunrise.
Rhythm of Life
These layered works consist of jagged elements wrapped in thread and wave-like tensioned threads.
They express the ups and downs present in every life, while celebrating the beauty inherent in all human journeys.
Somewhat Beautiful but Damaged
hese pieces combine layers of thread-wrapped acrylic plates with parts created by repeatedly machine-stitching traditional Japanese washi paper.
The series is dedicated to all those exhausted by the recent turbulent and confusing changes in the world.
Tension
In this series, fragments of demolished houses in Shanghai are tied together with tightly pulled thread.
The works portray human beings connected through the unavoidable tensions of daily life, despite the stress it may bring.
Small Voice
This soft sculpture represents a goddess who has lost her voice and is no longer heard by anyone.
It was inspired by the artist’s reflections on recent shifts in religion and spiritual belief.
Feel free to stop by and enjoy the show!
Whether you’ve never been interested in contemporary art, or you’ve been curious but felt galleries were a bit intimidating—I warmly invite you to experience these artworks in person. Their texture and presence can’t be fully captured in photos!
The exhibition space is spacious and easy to navigate, making it welcoming for families and wheelchair users alike.
I’ve also prepared a small gift for everyone who visits. Hope to see you there!
Contemporary Artist Hidemi Shimura
You can also view and purchase the exhibited works here↓
Contemporary Art Mini Guide
Q What is contemporary art?
Contemporary art is created by artists living in the present day, expressing themes related to today’s world.
It often goes beyond visual beauty, incorporating reflections on society, personal questions, emotions, memories, and the context of our times.
Q How should I view an artwork?
There’s no right or wrong way!
Start with your own impressions—like “This is interesting,” “So pretty,” or “Wow, that’s strange!”
Understanding the artist’s intention is fun too, but what you feel is just as important. That’s part of the joy of art.
Q How was this artwork made?
Information about materials and techniques is available near each piece or on the website.
You’re also welcome me—I’ll be happy to share what they can. Knowing how a piece was made can give you a new perspective on it!
Q What is fiber art?
Fiber art uses textile materials like thread, fabric, felt, or yarn to create artwork.
Artists combine traditional techniques like embroidery or weaving with modern creativity.
Fiber art can be wall-mounted, three-dimensional, or even installation-based.
Q What is an installation?
An installation is an immersive art experience that uses the entire exhibition space.
Rather than just looking at a single object like a painting or sculpture, you experience the artwork with your whole body through sound, light, air, materials, and more.
Q What is mixed media?
Mixed media means combining various materials and techniques in a single piece of art.
For example, using paint, fabric, thread, photos, and acrylic sheets all together.
It’s a way to expand artistic expression with a free and creative approach.
Thanks for reading to the end!
I’m looking forward to seeing you at the exhibition!