Asia Network Beyond Design

Nature and Human Coexistence

The 2026 ANBD Special Exhibition will be held in Hachinohe, a port city located in northeastern Japan.

Despite its harsh natural conditions-strong winds, powerful waves, and a cold climate-Hachinohe has developed a strong sense of community and a rich everyday culture, shaped over time through the close relationship between nature and human labor.

Here, continuity and accumulation are valued over rapid change, and this regional character has evolved into a form of lived wisdom and a distinctive cultural identity.

Nature shapes ways of living, life gives rise to tradition, and accumulated traditions, in turn, expand into imaginations of the future.

This exhibition seeks to view the local roots of Hachinohe not as traditions confined to the past, but as living resources—reinterpreted through design, art, technology, and AI—that can inspire new creative practices and future-oriented visions today.

ANBD Examination Review

Cho, Youl
Emeritus professor, Hansung University

While judging, my first thought was that the overall level of the works has been improving every year. Another important point was that, while the artists’ usual individual styles were maintained, there was a clear increase in works that consciously reflected the theme of “coexistence between nature and humans.” Therefore, in a judging process where it was difficult to rank the works purely on artistic merit, I focused on interpreting how each artist sought to express “the coexistence of nature and humans.” Lastly, my first-ever visit to the special exhibition in Aomori left a strong impression on me—not only the works themselves, but also the exhibition spaces that housed them, and the experience of exploring the contemporary art museums of Aomori Prefecture. I believe all of this will remain a truly wonderful memory.

Kim, Jeehyun
Professor, Hansung University / jeehyun0208@hanmail.net

The judging process placed particular emphasis on how faithfully and persuasively each work expressed the theme of “Coexistence between Nature and Humanity.” The submitted works interpreted this theme through a wide range of approaches, from analogue sensibilities and handcrafted expressions to highly technical visual languages. Despite the diversity of expressive methods, each work clearly conveyed a thoughtful reflection on the relationship between nature and humanity.
Overall, this special exhibition was meaningful in that it expanded a single theme in rich and diverse ways through artistic expression.

Nakajima, Chie
Professor, Hokkaido University of Education / nakajima.chie@s.hokkyodai.ac.jp

The 134 works presented under the theme “Nature and Human Coexistence” were highly impressive in their diverse and original interpretations of the theme. In the selection process, I focused on works that demonstrated originality and expressive strength in their approach to the theme, as well as a successful achievement of artistic and formal exploration.
I feel proud that the activities of ANBD contribute, beyond language and regional boundaries, to addressing the important issues facing humanity today. I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients.

Lee, Jieun
Professor, Hokkaido University of Education / jeentwo@gmail.com

Under the theme “Nature and Human Coexistence,” the Hachinohe Special Exhibition presented many works that interpreted the relationship between nature and humanity not simply as coexistence, but through diverse perspectives and sensibilities. Some works expressed the beauty and vitality of nature, while others reflected on human society and environmental issues.
More than the scale of the exhibition itself, what was especially impressive was the strong individuality and originality shown in each artwork. I believe this exhibition became a meaningful opportunity in which the diverse perspectives of the participating artists were clearly conveyed to the viewers.

Jeon, Shinjong
Professor, Hansung University / art-chun@hanmail.net

This special exhibition was a meaningful exhibition that profoundly interpreted the theme of “the coexistence of nature and humanity” through diverse formative languages and artistic perspectives. The works displayed a high level of creativity and artistic completeness based on reflections on nature, life, and the environment, while once again evoking the social role and sensitivity inherent in contemporary art.

Seo, Miyoung
Assistant Professor, Burapha University / smy750@gmail.com

The artworks were evaluated under the theme of Nature and Human Coexistence, with focus on creative expression, harmony, compositional integrity, and originality of thematic interpretation. The most distinguished entries demonstrated not merely technical skill, but an authentic and intellectually rigorous dialogue between the human hand and the natural world - a quality that defines truly meaningful art across all creative disciplines.

Hanawa, Daisuke
Professor, Hokkaido University of Education / hanawa.daisuke@s.hokkyodai.ac.jp

It is a great honor to serve as a juror for the ANBD 2026 Hachinohe Special Exhibition Awards.
In response to this year’s theme, “Nature and Human Coexistence,” I was deeply impressed by the beautiful use of color and composition, the incorporation of traditional forms of expression, the rich sensitivity embedded within the works, and the artists’ continual pursuit of new possibilities in artistic expression. Through these works, I truly felt the significance of ANBD’s philosophy of “expanding cultural values beyond all boundaries and promoting Asian identity,” and I was greatly inspired by the creativity of the Asian artists participating in this exhibition. I would like to express my heartfelt respect and congratulations to all the talented artists who received awards at the Hachinohe Exhibition.

Kriangsak, Khiaomang
Associate Professor, Burapha University / kraingsak_k@yahoo.com

The ANBD 2026 Art Exhibition at Hachinohe Art Museum, Japan, serves as an international platform celebrating the creative connection between humanity and nature through contemporary artistic perspectives. Under the theme “Nature and Human Coexistence,” the exhibition presents diverse artistic expressions that reflect the relationship between human beings and the natural world in terms of coexistence, healing, transformation, and sustainability. At a time of global social and environmental change, this exhibition encourages reflection through aesthetic experience and imagination while reinforcing ANBD’s commitment to international artistic collaboration and cultural exchange. On behalf of the judging committee, I would like to express sincere appreciation to all artists, supporters, partner organizations, and visitors who have contributed to this meaningful exhibition, which we hope will continue to inspire awareness and appreciation of the enduring bond between humanity and nature.

How to Submit
Special Exhibition

Do not use sign or name symbolizing the special country in the artwork (ex. flag, map and etc.)
Do not use any kinds of marks violated the copyright.
Deadline: April 12 (Sun), 2026

*For details regarding the submission process, please contact your respective regional office.

GROUP Exhibition
Every participant should upload the data mentioned as below.

1) 1 artwork per participant
2) Artwork data for Exhibition : A1(59.4 x84.1cm or 84.1x59.4cm) including title-band, CMYK mode, 250dpi
3) Artwork data for Pamphlet : A6(10.5 x14.85cm or 14.85x10.5cm) except title-band, CMYK mode, 250dpi
4) Artist's portrait photo: 3x4cm (vertical only), Gray-scale mode, 250dpi
5) Name, Titles of Artworks, Name of School (or Company), E-mail address
File name for Portrait PhotoFamily name, Given name.jpeg (ex)Cho, Youl.jpeg
6) All of Files should be named as shown below.

File name for Exhibition Data
Family name, Given name-A1.jpeg
(ex)Kim, Jeehyun-A1.jpeg
File name for Pamphlet Data
Family name, Given name-A6.jpeg
(ex) Kim, Jeehyun l-A6.jpeg
File name for Portrait Photo
Family name, Given name.jpeg
(ex) Kim, Jeehyun .jpeg

SOLO Exhibition

1) Applicants wishing to participate in the Solo Exhibition are required to submit an application and their artworks through their respective regional offices.
2) Artists may submit up to ten (10) works under a free theme, with each work not exceeding A1 size. Following the jury review, a maximum of ten (10) artists will be selected.
3) Each selected artist will be allocated an individual exhibition space (approximately 7 meters (W) × 3 meters (H) wall area).
4) Selected artists are responsible for the installation of their artworks.
(Installation period: May 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
5) In cases where the artist is unable to attend in person, the HQ may undertake artwork printing and installation on the artist’s behalf.
(Additional costs for printing, transportation, and installation may apply.)
6) For detailed information regarding artwork printing, installation procedures, and participation fees, applicants should contact their respective regional offices.

Exhibition Submission Fee
Please inform it to the participants according to each region’s situation.
In each region, please pay the ANBD HQ account by April. 30

Group Exhibition
Region 1 (Korea, Japan) : US $100
Region 2 (China, Taiwan) : US $70
Region 3 (Others) : US $50
Solo Exhibition
US $1000
Asia Office Bank
· Swift code: KOEXKRSE
· Bank Name: Hana Bank Samsungyo Branch
· Bank Address: 328, Changgyeonggung-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea
· Beneficiary Address: #705 Yeongu-Gwan, Hansung University , 116 16-gil
Samsungyo-ro, Sungbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea
· Bank Account No. : 286-910017-08004
· Depositor: ANBD
· Telephone No. : +82-2-742-1111(Bank) / +82-2-760-4153(ANBD HQ)

Excellent Awards

Nature and Line

Vein City

Echoes of Life

Symbiotic Realm

Diary of a Cat's Journey-Hachinohe Port

26-Nature and Human-01

ANBD Examination Review

How to Submit

Special Exhibition

GROUP Exhibition

Every participant should upload the data mentioned as below.

SOLO Exhibition

Exhibition Submission Fee

Please inform it to the participants according to each region’s situation.