After enjoying an art exhibition, why not head straight to the museum shop, riding the wave of inspiration? Immerse yourself in the wonder of imaginary travel, and take home a piece of the journey.
This time, I picked up a few scenes captured from Folon’s whimsical world.
Embark on a Journey with Little Hat Man in Hand
The one must-have item: the official catalogue. Our memories are fleeting, no matter how vivid the initial impressions may seem. Over time, they fade into hazy recollections.
This catalogue is structured with chapter numbers and introductory text, akin to a children's book or an educational pictorial guide. It feels accessible even for those who rarely explore exhibition catalogues or art collections—an experience akin to flipping through a well-curated encyclopedia.
Having a catalogue to rekindle the emotions stirred by the art ensures you can revisit those imaginary travels whenever you wish. Isn’t that a wonderful thought?
The catalogue’s design is worth mentioning, too. Its actual cover—beneath a partial dust jacket—is creatively utilized, adding a stylish touch that made me smile. It’s the kind of delightful surprise that makes you wonder if other catalogues might hide similar secrets.
Snapshots of Paper Treasures
For those standout pieces that linger in your mind, having them close at hand is a must. I brought home postcards and clear files of some particularly memorable works.
- Untitled: This monochrome piece, rich in imagination, transforms familiar objects into new perspectives. What might Little Hat Man, gazing at these objects, be pondering?
- The Tightrope Walker: Straddling the line between balance and imbalance, this purple-toned piece invites reflection.
- Ascent: A watercolor evoking questions about its bright destination and the journey’s true purpose.
Other works also tease at deeper interpretations: arrows on heads symbolizing diverging thoughts, or the typewriter keys in A Letter from a Distant Country floating in a night sky, as if words are traveling to their recipient.
These paper goods are great for revisiting your impressions later, letting you experience the artwork anew each time you handle them.
A Curated Shopping Experience
The museum shop is housed within TRAINIART Tokyo Station Gallery Store, just steps from the exhibition space. Follow the signs to the left, where you’ll encounter dioramas detailing Tokyo Station’s history, from its opening to its present-day transformations.
The shop features a dedicated corner for the exhibition’s goods, offering a compact yet thoughtfully arranged selection. In addition to the catalogue and paper items, you’ll find T-shirts, snacks, and casual merchandise to suit various tastes.
Leaving Tokyo Station, the gateway to travel in the Kanto region, with souvenirs from your imaginary journey is a charming way to cap off the experience.
