In our busy routines, we often lose sight of the time spent on “useless” joys; yet it is the preservation of this happiness that grants us moments of tranquility and satisfaction amid the chaos. In this exhibition, I sincerely hope that audience can feel that flicker of joy. May we all find our own creativity in life, nurturing that inner richness and calm.

Themed "Reconcile 歸和", the focus of The Gallery by SOIL’s presentation at Art Central 2026 is on the Japanese Urushi lacquer artist Kohei UKAI. Ukai seeks to celebrate the primitive vitality of his materials. His technique consists of wood carving to first obtain the desired shape and of multiple layers of lacquer, Urushi, to get to this unique finish that makes his sculptural works so special.

This year we will showcase talented lacquer artists from China and Japan, highlighting their rich heritage and cultural traditions.