Places & Traces: Palimpsest Books

Following a successful week-long exhibition at the Design Festa Gallery in Harajuku (January 9–15, 2026), Davisi has concluded her latest exhibition, "Places & Traces: Palimpsest Books." The showcase served as an intimate exploration of memory and materiality, centered on the art of the palimpsest—the process of layering new narratives over old books and scrap paper.

The core of the exhibition focused on the concept of giving new lives and meanings to aged pages through Davisi's signature use of the Orihon format. By transforming old books into continuous, accordion-fold narratives, she utilized her unique style to treat historical remnants as a fluid canvas for contemporary sketches and reflections. This format allowed the artist to invite viewers to reconsider the value of 'old' materials as they physically unfolded the work. For her, the most rewarding aspect of the week was witnessing the audience connect with these tactile transformations, finding a deep, personal resonance within the unfolding layers of ink and history.

The exhibition was marked by a steady stream of visitors, including fellow artists, long-time friends, and curious travelers wandering through Tokyo’s vibrant Harajuku district. We extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who stopped by to show their support. These face-to-face encounters provided a vital reminder of the power of physical art spaces in fostering human connection.

Beyond the visual display, the exhibition became a hub for high-level discussions and insightful commentary. The feedback received from the gallery-goers has provided a significant boost to our creative enthusiasm. These conversations regarding technique, history, and the emotional weight of "traces" have set a strong foundation for the work to come.

A huge, heartfelt thank you to Sano Satoshi (co+labo Sano), Keio University and the team of committed students: Kotaro Kitajima , Shintaro Tokoro, Riko Ida, Lisa Suzuki, Kosuke Shimida and Loup Ramlot for their help setting up and taking down the exhibition. My special thanks also go to Sotaro Miyatake for the brilliant design of the cardboard shelves, and the layout of the display. We are reusing some of the shelves from last year's exhibition at Shinkenchiku -sha, truely eco concept!

As the Tokyo chapter of 2026 closes, the inspiration gathered at Design Festa Gallery will undoubtedly flow into the artist’s upcoming projects. Stay tune!