The duo exhibition “Monster” features works based on that same theme, created through the unique expressive techniques of Shoko Mihira and Mayuno Kobayashi. Kobayashi harnesses Nihonga (Japanese painting) techniques to portray oscillations in emotion, memory and thought from everyday life, depicting these internal processes as animals, phantoms, monsters and the like. Both delicate subtlety and menace coexist in the one-of-a-kind visual interpretations which unfold on her canvasses. On contrast, Shoko Mihira re-creates experiences from daily life, social phenomena, and personal emotions in monster form, using a burner to shape borosilicate glass into singular, three-dimensional expressive forms. The glass shaped in ultra-hot flames is transparent while also exuding a marked feeling of tension, leaving a strong impression on the viewer. In addition to individual new works by the artists, this exhibition will feature collaborative pieces by both. Experience for yourself these novel incarnations of monsters, realized through the crossover of two- and three-dimensional forms as well as the disparate materials and approaches seen in Nihonga and glass art. Starting in advance of the exhibition period, works by the two artists will be shown in a first-store display window at GINZA SIX from Thursday, February 12 to Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Mayuno Kobayashi  “夜の犬” S20 (72.7×72.7cm)　Tosa hemp paper, mineral pigments, brass foil, metallic powder

Mayuno Kobayashi  “おばけ” SSM (22.7×22.7cm) Tosa hemp paper, mineral pigments

Shoko Mihira  “feel frustrated” H32×W10×D7.5cm　Borosilicate glass, Recycle silk, Stainless chain

Shoko Mihira  “small world #” H18×W14×D5cm　Oil pastel on canvas, Borosilicate glass

◆Mayuno Kobayashi
Mayuno Kobayashi is an artist who employs Japanese painting techniques to express ambiguous, fluid images born from everyday life, memory, and inner emotions like joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure, transforming them into the forms of animals and monsters. Her works feature diverse beings, ranging from real animals to imaginary creatures, often depicted as comical characters. Each character projects human emotions and issues, reflecting the artist’s own complex inner world. Furthermore, by weaving into her work the cultures she has absorbed and the domains she cherishes, she constructs a unique worldview, possessing the power to draw viewers into that world.

Biography
1993 Born in Aichi Prefecture
2016 Graduated from Joshibi University of Art and Design, Faculty of Art, Department of Fine Arts, Japanese Painting Major
2018 Completed Master’s Program, Department of Fine Arts, Japanese Painting Research Area, Joshibi University of Art and Design Graduate School

Solo Exhibitions
2024 Mayuno Kobayashi – Joyful Abyss – / Shikisai-sha

◆Shoko Mihira
Shoko Mihira is a glass artist who creates a unique and captivating world of monsters based on inner emotions and experiences drawn from daily life. His work is inspired by personal encounters, his immediate surroundings, and interactions with diverse people. Mihira masterfully employs the flame-working technique, skillfully shaping molten glass tubes into intricate and original forms. Liquids and threads are injected into his pieces, attempting to express an inner world. The flowing liquids within smooth yet sturdy glass vessels accentuate light refraction, exploring the relationship between emptiness and materiality, adding further depth and allure to the works. Furthermore, the comical monsters he creates possess both an endearing quality and an enigmatic nature, leaving viewers with a sense of unique narrative and lingering resonance.

Biography
1979 Born in Tokyo
2016 Studied under American glass artist Zii

Solo Exhibitions
2024 “Noise?” / Isetan Shinjuku
2024 Sanpei Glass ART WORKS / Shikisai-sha
2023 Sanpei Glass Solo Exhibition “Life?” / JPS Gallery