COROLLA CROSS Presents Meguru Yamaguchi Special Exhibition
Dates: Saturday, November 6, 2021 – Saturday, February 6, 2022
Venue: Hotel Keyforest Hokuto
Special Cooperation: MUSEEGINZA Kawasaki Brand Design Collection
From November 6, 2021, to February 6, 2022, the entire Hotel Keyforest Hokuto hosted the COROLLA CROSS Presents Meguru Yamaguchi Special Exhibition. The exhibition featured seven works by internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Meguru Yamaguchi, who created graphics for the commercial of Toyota’s new SUV, the Corolla Cross. The works were prominently displayed on the first-floor lounge, café, and bar.
A highlight of the exhibition was the opportunity to experience the evolution of Yamaguchi’s creations from 2016 to 2020, including rare early works provided by MUSEEGINZA Kawasaki Brand Design Collection, all within the distinctive architectural space designed by Atsushi Kitagawara. Signature pieces such as the OUT OF BOUNDS series and SPLITTING HORIZON NO. 2, installed on a wide wall leading to the whiskey saloon, exuded energy and presence. The interplay of dynamic light, the architectural space, and the viewer’s perspective continually offered fresh discoveries.
Another highlight was the large-scale presentation of original artwork created for the Corolla Cross commercial, applied to the hotel’s glass windows. The sweeping brushstrokes of Yamaguchi’s work were integrated into the 17 uniquely shaped windows, embodying the Corolla Cross concept: “Complete with Your Uniqueness.” The bold singular strokes, combined with the intricate blending of colors, provided an overwhelming visual experience.
This exhibition was a rare opportunity to view Yamaguchi’s works in a hotel setting. Guests could also enjoy a limited-edition original cocktail inspired by the artist, available at the hotel bar. During the exhibition period, a special accommodation package featuring the original cocktail was offered exclusively online. Additionally, the hotel lobby and café displays were accessible only to staying guests.
The museum expresses its deep gratitude to contemporary art collector Rikihiro Kawasaki (Kawasaki Brand Design MUSEEGINZA) for graciously lending the valuable works featured in this exhibition.
INSTALLATION VIEW
©2016 MEGURU YAMAGUCHI
©2016 MEGURU YAMAGUCHI
BIOGRAPHY
Meguru Yamaguchi
Born in 1984, Shibuya, Tokyo.
Meguru Yamaguchi is a contemporary artist based in Brooklyn, New York, where he has been active since moving to the United States in 2007. His work explores the possibilities of the fundamental element of painting: the “brushstroke.”In his signature series, OUT OF BOUNDS, Yamaguchi operates under the concept of “transcending preconceptions, rules, borders, and boundaries, as well as expanding the definition of painting.” Rejecting the canvas, which restricts the range of brushstrokes, Yamaguchi uses a unique technique to materialize the shape of the brushstroke itself. This approach allows him to create dynamic and three-dimensional works that push the boundaries of traditional painting.
RELATED EVENT
Limited-Time Original Cocktail at the Nakamura Whiskey Saloon
During the exhibition period, the Nakamura Whiskey Saloon at Hotel Keyforest Hokuto offered a special original cocktail inspired by Meguru Yamaguchi.
This unique creation emerged from a remarkable coincidence: the cocktail was crafted by Soran Nomura, the hotel’s original cocktail recipe designer, who has been friends with Yamaguchi since their high school days. While Yamaguchi has collaborated with fashion brands and companies in the past, this marks his first collaboration in the realm of taste.
The cocktail embodies the world of the artist’s works and personality, expressed in a way only Soran Nomura could achieve. Guests were invited to savor this exclusive blend of art and flavor, a first of its kind.
Cocktail: “Your Old Friend”
The cocktail “Your Old Friend” takes its name from the title of Meguru Yamaguchi’s 2020 homecoming exhibition. The striking chocolate patterns adorning the glass were born from Soran Nomura’s experimentation with incorporating Yamaguchi’s signature brushstrokes into the drink.
This cocktail captures the bold individuality, innovation, and intricate colors characteristic of Yamaguchi’s works. Crafted with the trendy smoky spirit mezcal, it balances sweetness and bitterness in a way that highlights its smoky undertones. The addition of herbal liqueurs adds layers of complexity, yet the drink remains refreshingly smooth and easy to enjoy.
Served in a rock glass with a single large ice sphere, “Your Old Friend” exudes a mature and sophisticated vibe, making it a perfect homage to both the artist and his art.
Mocktail: “Untitled Blue”
“Untitled Blue” is a non-alcoholic cocktail inspired by the vibrant blue hues characteristic of Meguru Yamaguchi’s brushstroke works. The drink uses the sweet and creamy flavor of amazake (a traditional Japanese rice drink) from the renowned sake brand Shichiken in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, as its base. With the addition of fruity and complex aromas, this mocktail offers a dessert-like experience that is both visually stunning and health-conscious. It is an ideal choice to enjoy during the morning or daytime.
Nakamura Whiskey Saloon
Operating Hours:
• Exhibition Visitors: 11:00–17:00
• Hotel Guests Exclusive Bar Time: 17:00–22:00
Located on the first floor of the main hotel building, the Nakamura Whiskey Saloon is a premium whiskey bar featuring an impressive display of vintage single malt whiskies from around the world. Among the offerings is the locally distilled Hakushu whiskey from Hokuto City. For designated drivers, a selection of mocktails, including “Untitled Blue,” is available.
Soran Nomura
At the age of 21, Soran Nomura moved to the UK alone, where he worked as a bartender in London for approximately seven years before returning to Japan. After gaining recognition for his skills at Fuglen Tokyo, where he received numerous awards, he became independent in 2017 and founded ABV+, a bar and drink consulting company.
Nomura has since expanded his portfolio to include serving as a brand ambassador for international spirits brands, overseeing the bar “Ao,” located within the K5 Hotel in Nihonbashi Kabutocho, and producing a variety of products, such as spirits and bottled cocktails.
