Asobu/ Play/ あそぶ/ 遊部

We initially held monthly Zoom meetings to discuss the theme of our show staring summer 2024. However, starting in 2025, we began meeting in person each month to hold workshops. Collaboration requires building relationships and spending meaningful time together. While language barriers can arise, truly understanding what other artists mean is often more important than the words they use.

Despite his demanding work as a florist in downtown Ottawa, Matt Miwa has been actively drawing since the COVID-19 pandemic. Immersed in the city’s vibrant artistic community, he also serves as president of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association and a member of the Ottawa Japanese Cultural Centre. His passion for Japanese dance—as a member of the Minyo-kai dance group—and traditional kimono is clearly reflected in his artwork.

Here, we see a figure wearing a Yukata, typically worn in summer, paired with contemporary footwear. This combination wouldn't have been seen in historical recreations, such as during World War II when Japanese Canadians were interned or displaced. The figure with traditional Geta footwear represents the previous generation, while the contemporary footwear reflects the present. Matt is blending the past and present, merging timelines in his work.

Yukari and Matt have known each other for years as members of the Ottawa Japanese Community Association. Matt owns some of Yukari's calligraphy works and had been interested in collaborating with her for some time. The generous grant from the Japanese Canadian Legacies Society has truly made this collaboration possible.

Not everything goes as planned, and there are challenges—like struggling to find high-quality paper suitable for both calligraphy and drawing. As living creators, our ideas are constantly evolving and changing. Despite these shifts and obstacles, much like in life, we must ensure that adjustments are made in a way that allows us all to meet on common ground.

We’ve just held our very first pop-up art show, and we're excited to continue working together on our next project. As our group name suggests, we want to explore the middle ground—finding balance—while never forgetting the importance of playfulness in our lives.