Ueda: I didn’t mean to pick the area, it just happened. There are a limited number of properties in central Tokyo that meet the requirements of having a useful size of space, high ceilings, secured carry-in routes, not too far from a train station, and low rent. I visited various real estate agencies and decided on this one from among several candidates. The area of Mejiro and Zoshigaya has a similar atmosphere to Yanaka. For example, there are old and established shopping streets and old temples.

TALION GALLERY holds about eight exhibitions a year. All are originally produced by the gallery. Last year, it had to practice self-restraint due to COVID-19 pandemic but managed to hold six exhibitions. The gallery’s features include group exhibitions with distinctive concepts and subjects and two or three artists’ exhibitions.
In selecting the artists, the gallery places importance on “the artist’s awareness of the methods of expression and media they are working with, or how they handle areas beyond their consciousness.”

Ueda: Of course, we have solo exhibitions. But most are two- or three-artist exhibitions because we want the audience to see works. In a solo exhibition, viewers seem to be looking at the work, but in fact they are looking at the artist. I want people to see the work itself, and that is why we organize two- and three-artist exhibitions. But then again, artists usually want to have solo exhibitions.
Another feature of our gallery is that, compared to others, we have exhibitions in which artists not contracted with us participate. In addition, very few artists participate only once. But once they become involved, they often develop in various ways afterward. There are many things we discover through our exhibitions.

Ueda: I worked at a gallery with the intention of eventually becoming independent. Since the work was not very segmented, I was able to work on a variety of things. As a gallerist, one curates exhibitions, publishes books, and has to do criticism. And of course, dealing. I became a gallerist because I am a flexible, do-it-all kind of person.

TALION GALLERY is also keen on publishing and has come out with art books and collections of works. There are many books with very elaborate bindings, such as Eri Takayanagi and New Horizon by Hiroyuki Nisougi and Masanao Hirayama.
For art lovers, galleries are places to see artworks, but for artists and future or prospective artists, they are also places to sell them. So, does Mr. Ueda accept sales proposals?

Ueda: Whenever I receive a portfolio, I look at it. If I receive an introduction from an acquaintance or friend, I may meet them in person. When I look at a portfolio, I don’t think about whether it will sell or not at the initial stage. I tend to focus on the artist’s awareness of methods of expression and the media they are working with, or how they handle areas beyond their consciousness.

One last question. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary, does he have a vision for the next decade? Mr. Ueda gave an animated response.

Ueda: Yes, I do. But I won’t tell you. It would spoil our plan (ha ha).

Mr. Ueda and TALION GALLERY have the will to take action before words.