The Roastery @ H Foundation for the Arts is pleased to present “#ColonizingGazes: Traversing Nature, Networks and the Mind,” a solo exhibition of artist Takashi Horisaki’s ceramic sculpture from the #InstaBonsai series. The art of bonsai, originating in China as “penzai” and introduced to Japan in the 12th century, evolved across centuries into an emblematic form of Zen Buddhism and samurai refinement. In Japan’s Meiji to Taisho periods, bonsai was repurposed as a nationalist icon and propaganda instrument, embodying the complex interplay of cultural identity and aesthetic tradition. Horisaki’s *#InstaBonsai*, grounded in rigorous research, scrutinizes this colonial legacy, examining how nature is not merely appreciated but idealized and manipulated to align with cultural narratives. The exhibition is supported by the H Foundation and curated by Ann Shi. This opening marks the launch of “The Roastery” as a vibrant incubator for emerging artists, providing a platform for innovative artistic exploration and interdisciplinary dialogues. Through curated exhibitions, residencies, and collaborative workshops, The Roastery aims to foster experimentation and creative development, empowering young artists to push boundaries and redefine their practice. H Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization focusing on supporting art and artists of the diasporic Asian communities or those whose work navigates the ideas of Asia.