DIESEL ART GALLERY will present "People Have The Power" a solo exhibition by artist Nanae Mitobe from May 18th (Sat) to July 3rd (Wed), 2024.

“People Have The Power” is the 5th installment in Nanae Mitobe's popular series of exhibitions featuring works inspired by rock stars and musicians. Previous exhibitions titled "Rock is Dead", "War is not over", "Let's Have a Dream!" and "Sit-In" have focused on rock symbolism and the power of music.

“People Have The Power” will provide viewers with an opportunity to engage in deep thought about the power of individual people, the power of the collective, and the role art and music can play in social change.

In addition to the display and sale of new art, T-shirts and related goods produced in collaboration with DIESEL will be on sale at this exhibition.

CONCEPT 

The stars who have departed this world are often revisited and reconsidered in the news and social issues as eras change. Even absolute or universal authorities, norms, and doctrines shift. Since the rise of BLM, topics like gender, various races, and colonial history among minorities have become significant for Mitobe, who has always portrayed portraits.

In "People Have The Power", figures who fought against the Vietnam War, black discrimination, societal biases, and those who left significant marks in the pursuit of peace will emerge. Many of the works depicting these fighters indirectly portray images of media stars or celebrities, rather than directly drawing faces seen in the media. Thus, motifs as replicas through the media, such as magazine covers or record jackets, are depicted.

The venue is structured in red, symbolizing struggle and passion, with Mitobe directly applying "graffiti-like" paintings, creating an atmosphere intersecting Shibuya's street culture.

Installation pieces featuring DJ booths express nonviolent fights through music and art, scattering records and instruments, evoking scenes of fights or conflicts. While conveying dire situations at times, they can also carry positive messages standing with resisting individuals.