If you are in
Japan this winter, there are a huge number of excellent exhibitions providing opportunities to enjoy Japanese art from a variety of perspectives. Traditional Japanese craft, retrospectives of Japanese masters, the impact of catastrophe on art, and international artists influenced by Japan, all are subjects for this winter’s exhibitions both in
Tokyo and beyond.
Exotic x Modern: French Art Deco and Inspiration from Afar
Focusing on the Art Deco movement of inter-war
France and its influences from Non-
European countries, this is a niche but far-reaching exhibition. A period of discovery, the era included the opening of Tutankhamun’s tomb, the Ballet Russe’s appearance and the travels of Josephine Baker. The cultural crossover of different nations thanks to expositions and recorded expeditions was key in forming the designs of the era, all of which are explored in this exhibition. From fashion to interior design, the pieces displayed offer an insight into the adoption of styles, colours and images from further afield and their inclusion in one of the most recognizable styles of the 20th century.
Entry:
Adults:
Advance sales: ¥960
On the door: ¥1,200
Students:
Advance sales: ¥760
On the door: ¥960
Over 65s:
Advance sales: ¥480
On the door: ¥600
Munch: A Retrospective
Best known for his piece The Scream, Edvard Munch is one of the great names of art and this touring exhibition is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for art lovers in Tokyo. See 60 oil paintings as well as prints and additional pieces from throughout his career. One of the highlights of the exhibition will be the first Japanese appearance of the tempera and oil version of The Scream (one of several versions) from the Munch Museum Collection. Advance tickets can be purchased online and will knock off ¥200 on the ticket price.
Entry: ¥1,600 (adults), ¥1,300 (students), ¥1,000 (seniors), ¥600 (HS students)
Rubens and the Birth of the Baroque
Pioneering a new style in the 17th century, Rubens was highly influential in introducing the world to the development of the Flemish Baroque movement. This exhibition focuses on his relationship with Italy, previously the home of the Renaissance style. There will be a combination of Ruben’s works as well as ancient sculptures and pieces by
Italian artists from the era and it will be the largest collection of his works ever exhibited in Japan.
Entry: ¥1,600 (adults), ¥1,200 (students), ¥800 (HS Students)
Tokyographie
This offshoot event is a great chance to see some of the best works form the annual Tokyographie event held in Japan’s ancient capital. An international photography exhibition, it has been running for six years but this is the first time it has visited
Tokyo.
This year’s theme is Up, a focus on personal impetus and an attempt to move away from the many weights of modern society. The exhibition will be held at different venues including Fujifilm Square, Institut français du Japon, Chanel Nexus House and smaller galleries. Artists to look out for include Jean Paul Goude, Tadashi Ono and Masahisa Fukase.
Entry: Free
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Catastrophe and the Power of Art
Earthquakes, terrorist attacks and financial crises, disasters and catastrophes never fail to provoke unique and compelling responses from artists around the world. Whether they aim to express grief, promote change or just serve as a reminder of the events, all take a personal and subjective take on global events. This striking exhibition features a collection of installations, sculptures and images from Japanese and international artists as they offer their take on personal and national catastrophes.
Entry: ¥1,800 (adults), ¥1,500 (seniors), ¥1,200 (students), ¥600 (JHS students and children)
Source TokyoCheapo