Climate talk with Alejandro M. Lopez and Chris Russell

For our recent exhibition, As The Sun Rose by Alejandro M. Lopez, the gallery welcomed Chris Russell to host a climate talk with the artist, raising awareness in Tokyo about the Eaton fires that affected Altadena, California in January 2025.

As a member of the Oxford Climate Journalism Network, Chris brought his expertise on the impacts of climate change and sat down with Alejandro to discuss the experience behind his work and the message it carries.

Alejandro spoke about the trauma and hope that emerged from the experience: “It was absolutely overwhelmingly traumatizing. And the only way I could try to do anything was to paint.” The result was a series of extraordinary works that he later exhibited at our gallery.

His paintings resonated deeply with many visitors, carrying a message about the environmental realities unfolding around us. As Alejandro reflected, “What started as devastation and trauma and melancholy ultimately led to hope through this birth of nature. I strongly believe that there is resilience and hope.”

We are also thankful to The Japan Times for covering the talk and helping share this story with a wider community. If you’d like to read the full article, you can find it here.