Our regular feature, “Exhibition BEST 10.”
This time it is the Q2 edition covering April to June 2018.
We have gathered the exhibitions the author visited that left the strongest impression.
1) Tomoo Gokita
Gokita’s exhibition had the sheer force of large-scale works, and it built a unique worldview inside the museum. Being pleasantly swallowed up by that atmosphere, I spent a wonderful time there.
On the other hand, some critics took jabs at Gokita’s works, and there were some sharp opinions leveled at the curators that I could nod along with. Twitter was buzzing with debate.
I also stopped by the autograph session.
2) Matazo Kayama
An exhibition well worth seeing was “Re-Matazo MATAZO KAYAMA.”
The crossover between the original works and the digital works was absolutely satisfying.
3) Ai Yamaguchi
I also got to meet the artist in person — a graceful and refined presence in both bearing and speech, exactly like the atmosphere of this solo show.
4) Taguchi Art Collection
An exhibition of the collection of Mr. Taguchi, a business executive. The works were all major names and the presentation was very approachable.
Being able to hear an artist talk by Satoru Aoyama may have been one reason I enjoyed it all the more.
5) Henk Visch
From sculpture to drawings, it was an exhibition that let you take in the full range of the artist’s talent. I savored the joy of being able to experience solo shows by major international artists happening at the same time.
6) Nikkei Nihonga Grand Prize Exhibition
“Nikkei Nihonga Grand Prize Exhibition,” which I visited with a complimentary ticket. I entered with zero expectations, but every work was surprisingly wonderful and I ended up buying the catalog too. A round of applause for Takeshi Tanaka’s work!
7) Yuki Inoue
Charming works with the Japanese giant salamander as their motif. It was a small-scale show, but I include it here in hopes of the artist’s future activity.
8) Yuichi Hirako
I first learned of him at Gokita’s exhibition, and when I visited the show being held at the same time at WAITINGROOM in Edogawabashi, I was captivated by his world.
9) Atsuko Yamashita
Atsuko Yamashita’s solo show, held not long after her graduation, filled the gallery with a comfortable air, and I also felt the raw energy that comes with youth. I stopped by twice during the run — that is how much I enjoyed it. It had a wonderful worldview.
It also paired superbly with Moe Hayashi’s solo show being held simultaneously one floor above.
10) Hina Maekawa
I encountered Hina Maekawa for the first time at this exhibition.
I felt her to be an artist of wonderful talent. Thanks to the gallery’s kindness, I was even given the chance to view earlier works — I was moved. I look forward to her future activity.
Bonus) Design Festa
“Design Festa” is not an exhibition in the usual sense; it centers on merchandise sales and includes live painting. The creative energy of young artists overflows there, and it is a wildly passionate event that I love.
Summary
This feature runs on a three-month cycle. Even in just three months, there were plenty of wonderful encounters this time as well. There are also many exhibitions that did not make the list.
Unfortunately, I missed the well-reviewed “Nude” (Yokohama Museum of Art).
Also, some of the exhibitions that opened in June and only close in July or later are not included this time (they may appear in the next edition).
