Ari Bayuaji "Sounds of the Ocean" (TOKYO)

Mizuma Art Gallery is pleased to present Sounds of the Ocean, the first solo exhibition in Japan by Indonesian artist Ari Bayuaji, running from April 9 to May 7, 2025.

Bayuaji (b. 1975, Mojokerto, Indonesia) is renowned for his art installations that incorporate materials collected from the coast as well as ready-made objects, engaging with culture narratives, historical memory, and pressing environmental concerns. His works have been exhibited worldwide, with major solo exhibitions in Singapore, Taipei, Ste-Alvère, Düsseldorf, Sydney, Bangkok, Washington, D.C., and Toronto, and are part of the permanent collections of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal and the Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec.

In 2020, Bayuaji founded Weaving the Ocean, a community-driven art project born from his discovery of plastic ropes entangled in the roots of mangrove trees near Sanur, Bali. Collaborating with Balinese artisans, he transformed discarded plastic into vibrant threads, weaving them into intricate textiles. The project has since evolved into a platform for sustainable income and education, engaging over 15 individuals across multiple regions. Bayuaji has also led workshops in Sydney, Montreal, and Busan, teaching the process of repurposing plastic materials into art.

This exhibition holds deep personal significance for Bayuaji, as his artistic approach has been shaped by Japanese culture since childhood. “My late father introduced me to Japanese art, teaching me that life is about good intentions and loving the process at every step of the journey—much like the way Japanese art is created,” he recalls. His early experiences learning the art of bonsai at the age of ten instilled in him a reverence for simplicity achieved through patience and care. “I hope the Japanese audience can see how deeply connected my work is to Japanese culture, not only through aesthetics but in the spirit of craftsmanship and respect for materials.”

Sounds of the Ocean will showcase a captivating selection of large-scale woven textiles made from plastic waste collected from the ocean, sculptures incorporating found objects, and mixed-media installations. We invite you to experience the artist’s debut exhibition in Japan, where nature, tradition, and sustainability converge in a thought-provoking and resilient narrative.