[Art Fair Tokyo 2019] KYNE "Commission Work Exhibition" @ GALLERY TARGET

KYNE

Fukuoka-born graphic artist “KYNE”.
At Art Fair Tokyo 2019, a solo exhibition was held at the booth of his representing gallery “GALLERY TARGET”.

The "GALLERY TARGET" booth — The “GALLERY TARGET” booth

This showing was carried out in a format that stepped slightly away from the sales-oriented purpose typical of the Art Fair Tokyo event.
The gallery’s advance notice read as follows.

Regarding sales at the venue, we will not be handling matters on a first-come-first-served or lottery basis. We kindly ask for your understanding in advance.

Speaking with the gallerist, we learned that this exhibition was a “showcase of works produced as commission (custom-order) pieces,” meaning it doubled as an unveiling occasion for the commission clients themselves.

A number of large-scale commissioned works

KYNE's signature female portraits — KYNE’s signature female portraits

These collaboration items came with price tags.

Midway through the fair, works were swapped out, and silkscreen pieces (edition of 50) were also on view.

These carried price tags. Size 30 for 150,000 yen (excl. tax). It is unclear whether they were actually sold on site.

He is an artist attracting attention with considerable high prices at art auctions.
Below are the hammer results from the recent SBI Art Auction.
A silkscreen work of about size 12 sold for a price close to 400,000 yen.

From the hammer results of the "SBI Art Auction" held on February 2, 2019 — From the hammer results of the “SBI Art Auction” held on February 2, 2019

Inside the Art Fair Tokyo 2019 venue, he drew significant attention from visitors. With this presentation, acquiring a work seems to have become even more difficult.
A waiting list was set up at the venue, and many visitors reportedly signed up.

Overview

Art Fair Tokyo 2019

Venue: Tokyo International Forum, Hall E
Dates: Thursday, March 7 – Sunday, March 10, 2019, 4 days (last admission 30 minutes before closing each day)
Press View: Thursday, March 7, 13:00–14:00
Private View: Thursday, March 7, 14:00–16:00
Vernissage: Thursday, March 7, 16:00–20:00
Public View: Friday, March 8 & Saturday, March 9, 11:00–20:00 / Sunday, March 10, 11:00–17:00
Admission: Advance ticket / 1 DAY Passport 4,000 yen (incl. tax); Same-day ticket / 1 DAY Passport 5,000 yen (incl. tax) (elementary school students and younger admitted free when accompanied by an adult)