Intangible Metamorphosis: Uemon Ikeda exhibition in Rome

Intangible Metamorphosis: Uemon Ikeda exhibition in Rome

From April 10 to April 30, 2026, PROSA_contemporanea presents Intangible Metamorphosis, a solo exhibition by Japanese artist Uemon Ikeda curated by Alberto Dambruoso. The show combines a site-specific installation with a series of watercolors to explore transformation of space and perception.

The work and the exhibition concept

The focal point is a path created with a red thread of wool and silk, produced in collaboration with artist Ximena Robles. The thread crosses and reshapes the gallery’s architecture, inviting visitors to move through and physically engage with the piece. Watercolors on paper are displayed alongside the installation, creating a visual and spatial dialogue.

Performance activation

At the opening on April 10, a Butoh dance performance by Flavio Arcangeli (19:30) will activate the installation: the body’s movement becomes part of the project, reinforcing the idea of metamorphosis as a non-material change perceived through space and experience.

The artist’s practice

Uemon Ikeda’s research moves between figuration and abstraction, integrating painting, drawing, text and installation. In recent years installation has gained prominence in his practice: suspended threads create environments that alter how a place is experienced, linking opposites such as visible/invisible and full/empty.

Practical information

• Venue: PROSA_contemporanea, Rome
• Opening: April 10, 2026, 18:30 (Butoh performance at 19:30)
• Exhibition dates: April 10–30, 2026
• Visiting hours: Monday–Friday 16:00–18:30; Saturday by appointment
• Admission: free
• Supported by: The Japan Foundation and Fondazione Italia Giappone

The exhibition demonstrates how simple materials and live activation can reconfigure an exhibition space, turning a gallery visit into an immersive and participatory encounter.