Uguisu​

April- May 2025

Maki Teshima's solo art show at Stowaway Cafe/Restaurant in Denver, CO

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Since ancient times, the Japanese have welcomed the first call of the Uguisu (Japanese bush warbler) as a sign of spring. The bird often appears in poetry and literature as a symbol of renewal, hope, and the end of hardship. When cherry blossoms bloom, people traditionally offer food and drink to the harvest gods, then share a meal together in celebration of the new season.

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In this exhibition, Maki presents new silk organza and patchwork works created in collaboration with Restaurant Stowaway and chef Amy Cohen, who saves avocado pits and onion skins that Maki transforms into soft pink, yellow, and orange dyes.

The framed patchwork pieces are collaborations with Denver-based fashion designer Mimi Shim, who stitched the fabrics using Jogakbo, a traditional Korean technique. Maki then layered Mimi’s patchwork with fabric left over from her mother’s quilts, weaving together a collage of color, memory, and heritage.

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The silkscreen works on the wall are printed with homemade inks made from natural materials.

This show also includes an interdisciplinary collaboration: chefs Niki Robins and Amy Cohen hosted two exclusive dinner events, and Holdtight Company presented Nourishment: What Feeds You?—a live performance combining music, food, and art.​

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Photos were taken by Martha Wirth, Maki