Eri Ōta, Be Healthy II, 2020, lithograph
© Eri Ōta, Image courtesy of Micheko Galerie and The Culture Story
The Culture Story and Munich-based Micheko Galerie are proud to jointly present “Pop and Beyond: The Diversity of Japanese Art”. This exhibition marks the gallery’s first pop-up project in Singapore, presenting seven Japanese artists who have not shown in Singapore before – Katsumi Hayakawa, Kenichi Yokono Norihiko Terayama, Mari Ito, Toru Fukuda, Eri Ōta (listed by age) and Masako Inoue (age unknown).
The contemporary art scene in Japan has witnessed a flourishing and diverse range of artistic expression over the past two decades. The exhibition ‘Pop and Beyond: The Diversity of Japanese Art’ explores the work of these seven prominent Japanese artists who have made significant contributions to the country’s artistic production during this period.
These artists represent a cross-section of the vibrant and innovative Japanese art landscape, showcasing a variety of media and conceptual approaches. Through their distinctive styles and unique perspectives, they offer insight into the unfolding narratives and experiences that have shaped contemporary Japanese art in the 21st century. By examining their artworks, we delve into the essence of Japanese culture, history, and socio-political context, inviting us to engage with and appreciate the depth and richness of this artistic heritage.
This exhibition aims to provide art collectors from Singapore and the region with an understanding of the contributions of these artists, and to offer them a glimpse into the diverse and compelling world of contemporary Japanese art. For collectors and art enthusiasts, this exhibition provides a valuable opportunity to acquire exceptional artworks that not only exemplify the skill and creativity of these artists, but also offer a dialogue with the diverse Japanese art landscape of the 21st century.
The exhibition opened from 28 October – 29 December 2023.
Artists:
Katsumi Hayakawa, Kenichi Yokono Norihiko Terayama, Mari Ito, Toru Fukuda, Eri Ōta (listed by age) and Masako Inoue (age unknown).
In Collaboration With:
Micheko Galerie was founded in 2010 by Keiko Tanaka and Michele Vitucci and puts a strong focus on introducing 21st century art from Japan to European collectors and beyond. Micheko applies strong selection criteria when selecting its artists. Concept, context, continuity, technique and potential for the future are essential for its choices. Micheko Galerie acts as a bridge between its artists and European collectors and institutions.
The Culture Story is proud to present its very first artists’ group show; While you are sleeping…
Sookoon Ang, 2018, Immortality V, Edition of 3
Curated by Charmaine Toh, this selling exhibition presents the work of four Singaporean artists – Sookoon Ang, Darren Soh, Sufian Samsiyar and Tang Da Wu – they come from different generations with vastly differing practices and concerns. Shown together for the first time, these objects remind us of the sensory power of the work of art and the way they might lead us past our everyday experiences and transport us to a different reality.
Symbolism and form play an important role for Tang and Ang, who use them to convey abstract emotions from love to sacrifice. They are particularly adept at juxtaposing objects, both found and made, to tell personal stories that resonate with multiple readings. Soh and Sufian’s work appear to be representational, but also play with the edges of materiality and vision via surreal landscapes.
The dreamlike layering of personal stories and emotions, signs and objects resists rigid interpretation. Instead, there is a fluidity of thought and feeling, opening up a space for what Susan Sontag famously called “an erotics of art”. Knowledge is constructed not from reason, but from myth and imagination.
“I am delighted to have this opportunity to present and work with these artists. In particular, I am honoured that Tang Da Wu’s sculpture “Oath of Poretti” will be exhibited and presented to the public for the first time. The work was conceived and created in 2008, almost fifteen years ago, yet it is such a contemporary piece, juxtaposing found objects like a brick and saw with a handmade table, which is representative of Tang’s long-standing interest in using everyday objects. I am very curious to see how this impressive sculpture will be received by the art community and the public, and I genuinely hope that it will be acquired by a serious art collector or a reputable art museum.”
Presented by The Culture Story, the exhibition was opened from 20 May till 14 October 2023.
Read the accompanying exhibition write-up by Charmaine here.
Artists:
Sookoon Ang, Darren Soh, Sufian Samsiyar, Tang Da Wu
Curated By:
Charmaine Toh
