ドヤ ガ-ルズ / Doya girls

Recently, Mizu and Chie undertook a residency at Kotobuki-cho in Yokohama. Kotobuki is a significantly poor and estranged area of the city, mainly inhabited by members of society with little money and limited family. Residents of Kotobuki live in small Doya’s (apartments) no more than 3 tatami mats wide, and mostly depend on government payments and the discounted food available at local supermarkets.
Mizu and Chie offered a look inside this sometimes ignored area, creating strong connections with members of the community, and showing visitors the strength and qualities of these locals. An experience of Mizu and Chies tour, including a look inside there studios and meeting locals, shows the power of art for making connections, and the beauty and strength in areas and people often overlooked.
Chies doya with oil paintings
Mizus Doya with broken glass installation and tea ceremony.
Thank you to Mizu and Chie for showing us this place and making our lives richer for the experience.










