WHAT MUSEUM, situated in Tennoz, Tokyo, is currently hosting a captivating exhibition entitled “ART de Cha Cha Cha – Exploring the DNA of Japanese Contemporary Art -” from the esteemed Takahashi Ryutaro Collection. The exhibition will run until August 27th, 2023.
WHAT MUSEUM, an art facility operated by Warehouse TERRADA, has a long-standing involvement in the art storage business, safeguarding numerous precious artworks from artists and collectors alike. In December 2020, Warehouse TERRADA unveiled WHAT MUSEUM, a collector’s museum of contemporary art, with the vision of opening up storage facilities to provide the public with a glimpse of otherwise inaccessible artworks. The current exhibition showcases forty exceptional works by thirty-three artists from the Takahashi Ryutaro Collection, a pivotal collection in the Japanese contemporary art scene since the 1990s. The exhibition delves into the DNA of contemporary Japanese art, exploring its magnetic allure.
Curated by psychiatrist Ryutaro Takahashi, one of Japan’s foremost art collectors, the Takahashi Ryutaro Collection commenced in 1997 and currently comprises over 3000 pieces, offering a comprehensive view of the diversity of Japanese contemporary art.
The exhibition presents works by artists such as Keizaburo Okamura, Tomoko Konoike, Kishio Suga, Akira Yamaguchi, and Tadanori Yokoo, who embrace Japan’s rich cultural heritage, art, and values, reinterpreting them from their unique perspectives and expressing them through new forms and techniques.
Over the centuries, Japanese culture and art have evolved by incorporating and interpreting diverse foreign influences. The exhibition explores how contemporary artists have discovered inspiration in traditional Japanese culture and art and applied it to their creative expressions.
Through this exhibition, WHAT MUSEUM aims to guide visitors in discovering the essence of Japanese contemporary art, unveiling its appeal in fresh and compelling ways while supporting the future of Japan’s contemporary art scene.
Works of art emerging in light and shade: Impressive large-scale works by Keizaburo Okamura and pieces by Hiroshi Sugimoto, Yu-ichi Inoue, and Kazumi Kurigami create a captivating exhibition space where the artworks come to life in light and shade.
Uniquely Japanese pieces focusing on techniques, materials, and motifs: The exhibition showcases works by Tsuyoshi Ozawa, Tomoko Konoike, Hisashi Tenmyouya, Akira Yamaguchi, Tadanori Yokoo, and others who skillfully incorporate traditional Japanese techniques, materials, and motifs into their diverse forms of expression.
Transcendental contemporary works of art utilizing exquisite techniques: The exhibition features two-dimensional and three-dimensional works, including large plates by Masayasu Mitsuke, ink (suiboku) paintings by Hidenori Yamaguchi, and sculptures by Yoshihiro Suda and Masaya Hashimoto, all created with extraordinary craftsmanship.
Mono-ha artworks – An essential art movement in the Japanese contemporary art scene: The exhibition highlights pieces by multiple artists representative of the Mono-ha art movement of the late 1960s and 1970s, including Koji Enokura, Kishio Suga, Nobuo Sekine, and Lee Ufan.
Approximately 20 works exhibited for the first time from the Takahashi Ryutaro Collection: The exhibition unveils many previously unseen pieces, including an installation by Kasetsu, a video installation by Tabaimo, and a sculpture by Motohiko Odani.
Accompanying the press release are six exhibition venue photos, credited to Keizo KIOKU, showcasing the enchanting atmosphere of the “ART de Cha Cha Cha” exhibition. Additionally, a photo of the installation artwork “tree” by Kasetsu is included, credited to Keizo KIOKU.
For more information about the exhibition, including the list of exhibited artists and an overview of the event, please visit the official website of WHAT MUSEUM at [website link].
Concurrently, WHAT MUSEUM is hosting another exhibition titled “Open Creation of Art – Immerse yourself in the transitory nature” by Masayoshi NOJO. This exhibition allows one to witness the artist’s creative process and engage with the artworks firsthand. Artworks created during the exhibition will be available for purchase.
