A Solind Show with Solid Content
Japan’s oldest and most prestigious ART FAIR TOKYO for VIPs took place on March 6, 2025. Last year’s show, held shortly after the death of manga artist Akira Toriyama, was well received for its manga theme. This year’s show featured a solid lineup of works that were in line with the artistic context.
KENJI TAKI GALLERY exhibited Chiharu Shiota‘s photographic work of keys. The key is a motif Shiota used at the 2015 Venice Biennale. Shiota is an installation artist who uses daily necessities to pursue the question, “What is existence?”
A key is an important item for a human being; by locking the door, we can protect ourselves or be deprived of our freedom. By unlocking it, you can embark on an adventurous journey. The viewers is invited to enter another world with their own memories related to the key.
MAHO KUBOTA GALLERY exhibited three-dimensional sculptures by Julian Opie, who uses minimal elements to express traditional motifs in art, such as figures and landscapes.
The Japanese “kawaii” (cute) established by Japanese artists such as manga creator Osamu Tezuka was further refined to a high degree and deployed everywhere. Some of the works stood out for their ingenuity, such as the addition of “kawaii” elements to ink paintings.
The opening ceremony featured Teresa Ikeda, a member of a highly respected Japanese idol group Nogizaka46. She is a student of Tokyo University of the Arts, the most prestigious university in Japan, and made the ceremony spectacular.
Photo: ART Driven Tokyo
