Japanese art fairs combine international galleries and regional art scenes
In Japan, a series of art fairs is continuing and will take place in autumn, combining the sale of contemporary art with public discussions, cultural programs and cooperation among galleries from different countries. The events will be held in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, Osaka and Fukuoka; some of them focus on local artists and ties with other Asian countries.
As The Japan Times reports, art fairs bring together hundreds of artists and galleries in one space, allowing visitors to compare works in different styles and techniques, from pop art to traditional ceramics. Programs may also include meetings with artists, lectures and workshops.
Tokyo and Yokohama
The Tokyo Gendai contemporary art fair takes place on September 11–13 at the Pacifico Yokohama exhibition center. The Miki section, whose name means “tree trunk” in Japanese, will feature prints and drawings on paper devoted to the Japanese tradition of such works. The program also includes an avatar project by performance artist Marina Abramović, a focus on Thai photographers, and discussions on collecting, art and architecture, as well as art and fashion.
At the same time, Tennoz Contemporary will be held in Tokyo’s Tennozu Isle district. It will feature shared spaces for several galleries, open studios for young artists and workshops using traditional materials, including silk canvases. A free shuttle will run between Tokyo Gendai in Yokohama and Tennoz Contemporary in Tokyo.
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The country’s largest commercial art fair, Art Fair Tokyo, is held in March. Its 20th edition last year was attended by nearly 57,000 people, while 141 galleries from different countries around the world took part.
Kyoto, Osaka and Fukuoka
In November, Art Collaboration Kyoto will host international galleries while separately presenting Kyoto galleries and fair-related exhibitions in the city. At the same time, Curation Fair Kyoto, held on November 6–8, will show art and crafts in three temples in the Nishijin district.
Art Osaka, held annually in May, uses two venues, one of which is a former shipyard for large-scale installations. In Fukuoka, Art Fair Asia Fukuoka, scheduled for October 2–4, is expected to bring together nearly 100 exhibitors. The event, which has been Kyushu’s leading contemporary art fair for more than 10 years, aims to strengthen ties between art communities in Japan and other Asian countries.
