Frenzy or Entropy?—as Depicted by Two Young Artists

Written by Saori Takeda, publisher of ART Driven Tokyo

The exhibition Frenzy or Entropy? at the contemporary art gallery Sho+1 in Ueno, Tokyo, running from March 25 to April 19, promises to be an intriguing event for those observing the forefront of Tokyo contemporary art.

Sho+1 is led by Sho Satake, who has played a key role in introducing the works of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat to Japan. The fact that this gallery has chosen to showcase two emerging artists, Reon Otsuka and 1 Second Angel 9, is noteworthy.

This exhibition serves as a space where chaos and order, chance and intent, beauty and violence intersect.

Frenzy or Entropy—An Inescapable Question

The term entropy in the title refers to the scientific concept describing the universal law that everything trends toward disorder. In the face of this inevitable collapse, do we throw ourselves into frenzy, or do we dissolve into entropy without resistance? The editorial team at Art Driven Tokyo perceives that each artist tackles this profound question in their own way.

Reon Otsuka—Between Chance and Control

Born in 2001, Reon Otsuka holds a master’s degree in the Painting Course of Fine Arts in the Graduate School of Art and Design at Musashino Art University.

Otsuka’s works are created by allowing ink to seep into satin fabric. He employs a technique of absorbing, expanding, and capturing the shapes that emerge. His art fluctuates between chance and control.

In the past, Otsuka engaged with his inner violence through his art. However, he now embraces intuition, stating, “I try to take a break from thinking and simply create what feels beautiful.”

Together forever, intricate patterns fill the canvas, drawing attention to their decorative nature. The artist remarks, “I’ve always loved patterns. They’re beautiful. I wanted to create something straightforward and visually pleasing, without overcomplicating things.”

Otsuka also expresses a desire for everyone to enjoy his works, including those who may not have prior interest in his art. This sincerity shines through in his approach.

Rain, a landscape seen through a window is depicted, with raindrops streaming down. The ink’s bleeding effect mirrors the fluctuation of rain, as if capturing the fleeting interplay of light and water.

Awakening Angel is rich with symbolism. In addition to the awakened angel, a small demon holding trident stands in the lower right corner, as if confronting the angel. Beneath the apparent beauty of the piece lies a subtle yet sharp poison—a contrast that is a defining trait of Otsuka’s work.

1 Second Angel 9—The Intersection of the Unconscious and the Spiritual

1-Second Angel 9 is an “enigmatic” artist whose works exude a shamanic quality.

The artist states, “At night, I contemplate existence and disappearance.” In drifting through a sea of consciousness without trying to paint a picture, the artist enter a state where it feels as though something else is guiding the hand. As a result, the works transcend personal expression and seem connected to the unconscious or a greater entity.

The artist’s brushstrokes carry an almost possessed intensity. Yet, the works also leave behind traces of a dialogue with something unseen.

Princess Seoritsu, the artist portrays Seoritsuhime, the water goddess from Japanese mythology. The divine figure emerges from the water’s surface, radiating mythological energy. Responding to the momentum of the brushstrokes, the canvas swirls with water, conveying a spiritual dynamism.

Sun and Witch, intuitive brushstrokes bring forth images while leaving the raw texture of the canvas exposed. Here, negative space plays a crucial role, perhaps more significant than the depicted figures themselves. The sharp discernment of when to stop painting stimulates the viewer’s imagination.

(Child’s) Hug is painted on cardboard, adding a pop-like impression to the piece. Its expression is more sensory and improvisational. The artist explains, “The title signifies a desire to be held.” This piece may be a candid reflection of 1 Second Angel 9’s innocent longing.

Confronting the “Inevitable Flow of the Universe”

The exhibition’s title, Frenzy or Entropy?, ultimately poses the question: How do we perceive the inevitable flow of the universe, where order inevitably gives way to disorder?

Otsuka’s works explore what emerges when one embraces order while allowing the uncontrolled to seep through. In contrast, 1 Second Angel 9 plunges into the realm between consciousness and the unconscious, attempting to depict something beyond order.

Despite their differing approaches, both artists confront the inevitable. As the world moves toward entropy, how do we live, and what do we express? These fundamental questions rise to the surface through their works.

Beauty may be a fleeting moment of order within chaos—only to dissolve back into frenzy.

A visit to this exhibition invites us to pause and reflect on such fundamental inquiries.

Exhibition Outline

Two-person exhibition by Reon Otsuka and 1 Second Angel 9
”Frenzy or Entropy?”

Dates｜March 25 (Tuesday) – April 19 (Saturday), 2025
Hours｜12:00 – 18:00
Closed: Sunday, Monday and national holidays
Venue｜Sho+1 Ueno Yokoyama Bldg. 1F, 1-4-8 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Admission free

Also read the article about the group exhibition that took place in 2023, which included two of them.

Expressing Mystique with Pop: Group Exhibition of Promising Artists by Sho+1