The Weight of a Line | 線の重 み

chihiro kabata

2025 August 21 - 31 | Wednesday - Friday ,1PM - 7PM. Saturday - Sunday, 1PM - 6PM.

39 Keppel Rd, #03-10 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore 089065

Opening Reception: August 20 | 5:30PM - 8:30PM | RSVP

Artist Talk: August 23 | 3PM - 4PM | RSVP

Special Event On Art, Process, and Sake: August 28 | 6PM - 8:30PM | RSVP

brief

"The Weight of a Line" delves into the profound physicality and conceptual density behind Kabata's unique artistic process. Using a common ballpoint pen, she meticulously applies thousands of individual strokes that coalesce into shimmering, deep fields of ink resembling cosmic phenomena or topographical maps. The title refers not to a physical heaviness, but to the accumulated weight of time, labor, and focused intention embedded in each piece. The works are a testament to the gravity of a creative act that transforms a simple tool into a conduit for monumental expression. 

This exhibition is a powerful continuation of Kabata's enduring relationship with INSTINC. A two-time participant in the gallery's international residency program, her journey began in 2014 with an exchange that culminated in an exhibition at the Japan Creative Centre, Singapore.

BIO of Artists

Chihiro Kabata

Chihiro Kabata is a Japanese artist whose drawings and sculptures accumulate delicate ink lines into powerful visions. Chihiro Kabata's medium of choice — ballpoint pen on paper – is deceptively humble, making the final result all the more unanticipated. Her works bring together the visual idioms of old Japan and the metaphysics of contemporary art. 

She is a practicing visual artist originally from Tokyo, Japan. She received her MFA from Musashino Art University. Now, Associate Professor, Wako University. 

Chihiro Kabata has had numerous solo and group exhibitions internationally. Venues have included the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, The Ueno Royal Museum, Fuchu Art Museum, Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore ( ICAS ), gallery alpha M ( Musashino Art University ), Zibo museum, Pyeongtack museum, Nam-seoul university gallery, Art Front Gallery at Tokyo, kashya Hildebrand at Switzerland, INSTINC at Singapore, and others. She was noticed in The College Art Association 101ST ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEW YORK( CAA). 

Website: http://chihiro.kabata.info/ | Instagram: @kabatachihiro