Opening on Friday, April 17th at Jinny Street Gallery in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan is the delight group exhibition "Friends of Jinny."

Friends of Jinny pairs 40 international illustrators with 40 locals from Jingumae 2-chome, Shibuya, creating collaborative artworks inspired by stories from the dynamic and growing arts corridor. Exhibited at Jinny Street Gallery and throughout its streets, the works merge personal narratives with the community’s unique spirit, connecting people across borders.

Jingumae Ni-chome is a quiet neighborhood tucked just behind the bustling streets of Harajuku, Shibuya. Walking through Jingumae-nichome feels like stepping into a close-knit community where people are friendly, familiar, and know one another.  The invigorating atmosphere has created an exciting and burgeoning creative enclave, a beacon of light to artists from around the world.

A total of 40 international illustrators from around the world were selected through an online open call and paired with 40 members of the local community. Like pen pals, they have exchanged stories and shared insights into their lives and everyday experiences.

Inspired by these conversations, the artists create illustrations in their own unique styles and perspectives. Each artwork becomes a small, portrait-like story, shaped by the overlapping narratives and emotions of a local resident and an artist living far away.

Participating Artists:

Alexandra Tasia, Alice Micol Callegari, Amelia Simanungkalit, Andrew Joyce, Ayana Miyoshi, Beyza Durmuş, Chanin Sriboon, Chiharu Ishibashi, Claire Chen, Daniela Martin del Campo, Elisa Lipizzi, Emma Stevenson, Florencia Gavilan, Fran Alvarez, Frank Murrone, Hyemin Yoo, Jennelyn Joy Duran, Julia Zavtur, Justine Gabriela Amores, Kaitlin Brito, Karen Díaz Durán, Katarina Kratochvílová, Kiki Hamazaki, Leo Pradana, Madelene Start, Mahavira Mesha, Miki Li, Nico Siasoco, Nina Zakharova, Breuboy, Océane Carbou, Ronna Raz, Ruya Igit, Saiying Xu, Spencer Gabor, Stephen Kissel, Thararin Jirajakkavan, Wommol, Winifred Giroudeau.