Amidst a spring squall and driving rain, Adam’s friends gathered at Shimobun Atelier.

It was the opening party for Adam Avikainen’s exhibition of artwork that he made during his stay as the first guest of Kamiyama’s new Bed and Studio program.

He used big sheets of Awa Washi paper to make his softly expressive watercolor works

Normally this time of year is the lonely off-season, but Adam came and stayed for two months and seemed to really enjoy his time. We all came to see the opening of his exhibition.

Adam has such a laid-back air about him, he quickly became friends with everyone, and sometimes, thanks to his friendly and intimate attitude, it almost felt as if we had already known him from somewhere before.

While Adam is of course a watercolor artist, he is also a poet, a photographer, and he also expresses himself through sound. His explanation that all these combine to make his own form of expression was very easy to understand. We listened to sounds he had recorded in Kamiyama while looking at his work.

I feel as though I was finally able to have a glimpse of understanding into the world of Adam’s poetry.

The celebratory meal was mostly prepared by Keisuke from Matsuba-an, but Mr. Iwamaru also brought a lot of stuff. It was so delicious! Everyone left satisfied.

Mr. Miyagi did the lights, and his daughter Ai sang and played the guitar. It was really wonderful. Awa-cho ALT Josh McClain played cello, and you’d never have guessed it was their first time playing together. It was as if even the storm stopped to listen.

Adam’s vivid and gentle watercolors seemed to be announcing the coming of spring.

Adam Avikainen Exhibition
March 14-15, 13:00 – 16:30, and Shimobun Atelier (Sorry, it’s already over!)

Adam will leave Kamiyama on March 21, and start preparations for an exhibition in Rome. I’m sure the works he made in Kamiyama will be a part of that show as well.