Manifesto

A pedestrian walks through the city with a purely functional purpose. Usually, they keep their eyes fixed on the ground, caring only for car drivers and other surroundings. But there are times when they turn their eyes up to the facades. They can lose themselves in steps where they discover another world, and even their usual path now suddenly overflows with mysteries and adventures. In that precise moment, the urban walker becomes a flâneur, able to deconstruct the principle of rationality and functionality that rules the city’s urban structure. They rethink the streets as a place for delightful walking experiences and discoveries rather than purely means to reach the destination. As a result, the city transforms from an obstacle to a meaningful end — a place full of experiences. The flâneur is the artist of the city, a detective scrutinizing by-passers and the details and atmosphere of the streets. They are not looking for a criminal but for traces of life, scenes that will move or cheer them — the happenings to tell or remember. The clues they seek have no use other than enchanting the moment.

— David Le Breton, Marcher. Éloge des chemins et de la lenteur (2012).

Shibuya is overcrowded with people — avidly crossing its roads, marching to their destination. The city gets walked over with ferocity. The red light at the crossing in front of the station seems never to turn green. Time is never enough for people with no patience.

Jinny street gallery is in the heart of Jingumae 2-chōme (神宮前二丁目), commonly known as “Jinni” (神二) by the locals. Whiff outside the city hustle, with its little showcases scattered through all the streets. Jinny is for stroll lovers that do not care much about the destination but the joy of the process. Jinny is for urban flâneurs who take time to love the city in all its shapes and colors. Home to all who do not feel like going anywhere but to walk and enjoy our exhibitions.