Step Into Autumn’s Magic at UNWIND GALLERY: Cicaco Sawada’s Stunning Photo Exhibition Captures Otaru’s Art Deco Charm!
UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU is excited to announce its 9th exhibition at UNWIND GALLERY, which opened in November 2022. This exhibition, titled PALE and GAP (Awai to Hazama), showcases the captivating work of Otaru-based photographer Cicaco Sawada. The exhibit runs from Sunday, September 1, 2024, to Friday, November 29, 2024.
UNWIND GALLERY
UNWIND HOTEL & BAR Otaru views itself as a cultural hub, aiming to highlight Hokkaido’s unique charm. As part of this mission, the hotel opened UNWIND GALLERY in November 2022, transforming its beautifully renovated historic building into a space for contemporary art exhibitions, primarily featuring artists with ties to Hokkaido.
The gallery has been featured in local media and fashion magazines, and offers free entry for both hotel guests and local visitors, encouraging the community to explore modern art in a welcoming and inspiring environment.
The 9th exhibition at UNWIND HOTEL & BAR Otaru features the work of Cicaco Sawada, an Otaru-born photographer. Set against the backdrop of the hotel’s historical architecture, originally built in 1931, this exhibition highlights Sawada’s captivating views of Otaru, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s multifaceted charm. Visitors can immerse themselves in both the art and the enchanting surroundings of the renovated space, enhancing their appreciation of the local culture and history.
Cicaco Sawada’s “PALE and GAP(Awai to Hazama)”
The exhibition, titled “PALE” and “GAP,” is split into two thematic parts. Through her works, Otaru-based photographer Cicaco Sawada expresses feelings of drifting between everyday life and the extraordinary. Thirteen of her photos will be on display, including five new pieces crafted specifically for this exhibition, all featuring Otaru as the central subject. Visitors can explore the unique and reflective perspectives Sawada offers on her home city, enhanced by the historical ambiance of the UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU, a renovated 1931 building.
The “PALE” (Awai) section of the exhibition focuses on the understated beauty found in everyday life, blending life and art in familiar scenes. The “GAP” (Hazama) section isolates iconic landmarks of Otaru—such as buildings, seas, and streets—by placing a symbolic curtain between them, creating a visual “window” in unexpected places. This juxtaposition invites visitors to explore the intervals between these contrasting elements, evoking emotions and stories hidden in the gaps between what is seen and imagined.
“PALE” (Awai) ”
Amid ordinary landscapes, unnoticed details spring to life, where vibrant colors and shapes form a dynamic, almost pop-art world. These photographs capture aesthetic moments hidden in everyday surroundings, showcasing the intersection between life and art in a unique, captivating way.
“GAP” (Hazama)”
The presence of a curtain separates “this side” from “that side,” creating an additional layer of “observer” and “observed.” Sawada explores this concept as a lifelong theme. Her works showcase surreal windows appearing in impossible locations, evoking contradictions and curiosity that gently ripple through the senses.
Cicaco Sawada’s Comment
“Our world is full of unseen boundaries, and through my photography, I wanted to explore these hidden divides. I hope viewers experience a subtle unease, noticing details they might have previously overlooked. Being able to display my work in such a beautiful space—once a hotel exclusively for foreigners—is an incredible honor. I truly hope many people will come to see the exhibition.”
Cicaco Sawada’s Profile
Born in Otaru, Cicaco Sawada’s photography career took off in 2002 after winning a photo competition in anan magazine. Her award-winning series featured figurines and dolls against Otaru’s scenic backdrops. In addition to photography, Sawada creates installations and leads workshops in schools and cultural centers. In 2016, she founded WATASHI-BRAND to promote photographic activities and launched the quarterly magazine OTARU Ture＊Dure, which celebrates Otaru’s photography and has now reached its 31st volume.
Exhibition Details
Exhibition: Cicaco Sawada Photo Exhibition “PALE and GAP(Awai to Hazama)”
Location: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU, 1st Floor, UNWIND GALLERY
Exhibition Dates: September 1, 2024 (Sunday) to November 29, 2024 (Friday)
Admission: Free（Open daily from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM for the public.）
Artist On-Site Dates
- September 12 (Thu) 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- September 27 (Fri) 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Additional dates will be announced via the hotel’s official Instagram.
Exhibition Pairing Cocktail
The UNWIND GALLERY also incorporates Bar Ignis Otaru, the hotel’s bar, as part of the gallery experience. For this exhibition, a special pairing cocktail, “Sea of Clouds Lemon Sour”, will be available. This refreshing drink features a balance of fresh lemon acidity and a lemon-flavored espuma representing a sea of clouds, garnished with lemon peel. The fluffy texture of the espuma makes the drink reminiscent of a lemon tart, offering a familiar yet special take on the classic lemon sour.
Sea of Clouds Lemon Sour： 1,600 yen (tax included)
Bar Ignis Otaru
Location: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU, 1st Floor
Hours: Open daily from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM (Last Order 11:00 PM)
About UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
Originally built in 1931 as the “Old Etchuya Hotel,” Hokkaido’s first hotel exclusively for foreign guests, this historical building has served various roles over the years, including as an officer’s club during wartime and later as a U.S. military facility. Designated as a historic building by Otaru City and recognized as part of the “33 Modernization Industrial Heritage Sites” by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, the building was recently revitalized after years of closure. With a bold renovation that preserves its historical ambiance and architectural beauty, the boutique hotel now offers a modern experience with a unique sensibility that bridges the past and present. Our mission is to create a space that fosters organic interactions between the community and travelers, making it more than just a classic hotel. We invite you to experience this distinctive world.
UNWIND HOTEL & BAR OTARU
Location: 1-8-25 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido
Access: Approximately 35 minutes by JR Hakodate Main Line from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station, then a 10-minute walk from Otaru Station to the hotel.