I am grateful for the time spent visiting my friend Kumiko’s exhibition at Leshan Cafe. It was an afternoon filled with art, conversation, and quiet reflection, set in a space that feels deeply layered with history and meaning.
Her exhibition was displayed thoughtfully on warm wooden panels and white walls, with works arranged in a way that invited slow looking. The kintsugi themed pieces stood out immediately. Soft, textured forms stitched with gold lines spoke gently of repair, resilience, and grace. The way the gold traced through fractures did not try to hide what was broken, but instead elevated it. Each piece felt tender and strong at the same time, much like the philosophy of kintsugi itself. Broken things are not discarded, but honoured for the stories they carry.
Some works were vibrant and playful in colour, others quieter and more contemplative. Together, they formed a visual rhythm that felt balanced and intentional. Sitting with her paintings, I could feel how her art embodied the spirit of kintsugi, not just as a technique, but as a way of seeing life. Fragility, healing, and beauty coexisting.
Leshan Cafe itself added to the experience. With its tiled floors, long communal tables, and soft ambient lighting, the space feels warm and welcoming. It is a place where people linger, where conversations unfold naturally over coffee. Art does not feel imposed here, but integrated into daily life, which made the viewing feel intimate rather than formal.
Just steps away is the old temple, with its ornate red beams, intricate carvings, and guardian doors painted with richly detailed figures. Walking through the temple grounds before and after viewing the exhibition added another layer of reflection. The temple stands as a reminder of continuity, faith, and the passage of time. The contrast between contemporary artworks inside the café and centuries old architecture outside felt harmonious rather than conflicting.
Seeing festive installations, traditional motifs, and temple guardians alongside modern paintings made me reflect on how repair, reverence, and resilience are themes that transcend time. Whether through art, architecture, or ritual, there is always a desire to make meaning from what has been weathered.
I am grateful for Kumiko’s friendship, for her courage in sharing work that comes from such an honest place, and for spaces like Leshan Cafe that hold art with care. The visit reminded me how fortunate I am to live a life surrounded by creativity, history, and moments that invite reflection.
It was an afternoon that left me feeling grounded, inspired, and quietly thankful.
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