Top 10 Exhibitions of 2020
2020 was a year of extraordinary circumstances for every industry and everyone alike.
Under the COVID-19 pandemic, the art world saw major impacts on museum operations and artist activities, with many exhibitions cancelled or postponed. From April to May, under the state of emergency, movement was severely restricted, but in the second half of the year, we were able to enjoy art viewing relatively calmly while taking infection prevention measures.
Every year, once we enter mid-to-late December, we look back on the year.
Here are 10 exhibitions we’ve selected based on our own judgment.
[No. 1] Yukimasa Ida “King of limbs” Kaikai Kiki Gallery
Yukimasa Ida’s final solo exhibition of his 20s was held in the largest space he had ever used.
The way the abstract paintings, created to match the high-ceilinged space, were arranged was exceptionally well done.
We were also amazed by the special edition exhibition project launched to commemorate his first book of works.
[No. 2] Peter Doig “Peter Doig Exhibition” The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
This was his first solo exhibition in Japan.
It closed shortly after opening, causing considerable frustration, but many of Peter Doig’s important works came to Japan, and we were able to fully enjoy these magnificent pieces.
[No. 3] Tomoko Konoike “Flip” Artizon Museum
Tomoko Konoike’s long-awaited solo exhibition at a Tokyo museum was held at the Artizon Museum, which opened in January 2020.
Within its large-scale exhibition space, the show was configured in a style unmistakably Konoike’s own. The works on display ranged from drawings to paintings and three-dimensional works — a rich and varied lineup to enjoy. The physically engaging elements were also excellent.
[No. 4] Kohei Nawa “Oracle” gyre
Kohei Nawa focused on creative activities during the pandemic.
This exhibition, which began at the end of October, presented nine series together in a comprehensive, culminating configuration.
We recently visited Nawa’s studio “Sandwich” in Kyoto, where various projects are in motion — it seems he still has plenty in store to surprise us. We look forward to more from 2021 onward.
[No. 5] Kenjiro Okazaki “TOPICA PICTUS”
Kenjiro Okazaki’s popular series “Zero Thumbnails” reportedly saw many new works produced during the pandemic.
Compiling them into a book and unfolding them across multiple venues, the “TOPICA PICTUS” project was an outstanding endeavor.
[No. 6] Tomotosi “Hernia City” Tomo City Museum
“Tomotosi” is a video artist who presents works that question society through the theme of “the city.”
Even during the pandemic, he unveiled new works and held a solo exhibition that included past pieces.
The venue was the “Tomo City Museum.”
Unfortunately, the Tomo City Museum was forced to close and is now planning to relocate.
A crowdfunding campaign is currently underway, aiming for a spring 2021 opening.
https://motion-gallery.net/projects/tomo_museum
[No. 7] Meguru Yamaguchi “YOUR OLD FRIEND” PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO
The triumphant homecoming exhibition of New York–based Meguru Yamaguchi was held at PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO in Shibuya.
It felt like a solo exhibition positioned as a culmination of his work to date.
[No. 8] Osamu Mori “Ba de ya” PARCEL
An impactful exhibition where colossal wooden sculptures radiated a powerful presence.
It was very memorable to see many families with children — not the usual gallery crowd — coming to view the show.
[No. 9] Hiroka Yamashita “Ephemerality” THE CLUB
Young female painter Hiroka Yamashita presented six large-scale works.
They were originally scheduled to debut at Art Fair Tokyo 2020 (which was cancelled), but going forward, she is undoubtedly an artist to watch.
[No. 10] Ayako Rokkaku “Magic Hands” Chiba Prefectural Museum of Art
Ayako Rokkaku’s solo exhibition, held at a public art museum, was staged at a grand scale.
We had the chance to interview Ayako Rokkaku herself at the opening, and her serious gaze and forceful responses left a strong impression. She came across as a firmly grounded artist with a strong sense of self.
Others
This time we focused on solo exhibitions to select our “10,” but there were also many excellent group exhibitions.
- STARS Exhibition
- SCAI THE BATHHOUSE 30th Anniversary
- OKETA COLLECTION “NEW DECADE”
- “INSIDE THE COLLECTOR’S VAULT, VOL.1 — Unbound Collection Exhibition” WHAT MUSEUM
- Full Frontal: Naked Circulator” Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
Now then, what kind of year will 2021 be for the art world?
We look forward to finding out.
