ADF Art Gallery Project Vol.39 Rin Ito Solo Exhibition〝Depth”

ADF (NPO Aoyama Design Forum) is pleased to present "Depth ," the 39th exhibition of the "ADF Art Gallery Project" by artist Rin Ito, from 17 to 31 March 2026 at GARDE Gallery at Omotesando, Tokyo.

Ito began writing poetry in his student days. Centering his practice on resonance and empathy with others, he seeks not to offer words to people but to create words that resonate with them. After years of experiences giving words to many people on the street and in public spaces, he exchanged the pen for a brush. Since then, he has pursued works that embody both stillness and movement, exploring a world of black breathing within the quiet white.

He understands calligraphy not as language, but as a “trace” that touches the inner depths of the human mind. The bleeding, fading, and overlapping of ink form trajectories that move beyond reason and sink into the depths of consciousness, revealing a state just before meaning emerges. By deliberately continuing actions that may appear as “wasteful” or mere “scribbles,” he challenges the human impulse to constantly seek meaning.

This exhibition explores the possibility that characters may be read within moments of chance, and reflects on the relationship between text and non-text.

Profile of Rin Ito
Born in Nagano Prefecture in 1977.
In 2004, he participated in an international biennale in Spain, where he presented short-form poetry introducing Japanese culture. Deeply moved by the powerful impact of calligraphy performances he witnessed there, he returned to Japan and relocated to Nagano City to begin his artistic activities.

Since then, he has engaged in spontaneous street calligraphy performances, the creation of avant-garde calligraphy works, live calligraphy events, and teaching. He also undertakes commercial calligraphy projects, including logos and title lettering for companies and institutions, while continually pursuing and developing his own distinctive style of calligraphic expression.

Selected Awards
2020: Associate Member, Dokuritsu Shojindan
2020: Certified Master, Nihon Shajuku Association
2020: Selected, Dokuritsu Exhibition / The National Art Center, Tokyo
2019: Selected, Dokuritsu Exhibition / The National Art Center, Tokyo
2018: 35th Anniversary Logo Selected, Hokuto Cultural Hall
2018: Selected, Japan Calligraphy Education Society Exhibition / Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
2016: Selected Young Artist, Nagano Prefecture Open Call Exhibition
2015–2017: Selected, Japan Calligraphy Education Society Exhibition / Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
2014: Encouragement Award, Takamado-no-Miya Cup / Nippon Budokan
2012: Encouragement Award, National Kakizome Exhibition / Nippon Budokan
2011: Japan Budokan Award, Takamado-no-Miya Cup / Nippon Budokan
2010: Selected, Sankei International Calligraphy Exhibition / Ikebukuro Sunshine
2009: Selected, Sankei International Calligraphy Exhibition / Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
2008: Selected, “Ikiru” (100th Anniversary of Akira Kurosawa) / Ginza Qualia
2007–2009: Special Selection, Kizan-kan

Major Solo & Group Exhibitions
2025: Nagano-affiliated Artists Group Exhibition “Proof of Humanity”
2024: Nagano-affiliated Artists Group Exhibition “Something Stirring”
2024: ART SHODOW Group Exhibition (Nakameguro)
2024: Solo Exhibition “Hood”
2023: ART SHODOW Group Exhibition (Awaji Island)
2023: Solo Exhibition “Mask”
2021: Rin Ito Exhibition “Black of Silence, Speaking White, Color as Kotonoha”
2019: Curated Exhibition “Silence and Impulse”
2018: New Year’s Day Live Calligraphy, Karuizawa Prince Hotel
2017: Curated Exhibition “Draw a Line”
2017: Two-Person Exhibition (Ceramics & Calligraphy)
2016–2017: Guest Artist, Ichiro Tsuruta Exhibition
2015: Dedication Live Calligraphy, Kijo Momiji Festival
2015: Solo Exhibition “Creation of Heaven and Earth”
2015: Zenkoji Temple Grand Opening Commemoration Live Calligraphy
2010–2012: Hakuba Goryu Live Calligraphy (Inbound Event)