As anticipation builds for the forthcoming Art Week Tokyo, Vincenzo de Bellis, Director of Fairs and Exhibition Platforms at Art Basel, emphasizes the initiative's crucial role in celebrating Japan's rich artistic heritage alongside its vibrant contemporary art scene. Scheduled for November 7 to 10, 2024, Art Week Tokyo seeks to bridge local talent with a global audience, promoting cultural exchange and market growth.
Vincenzo de Bellis, Director, Fairs and Exhibition Platforms, Photo by Noé Cotter for Art Basel, Courtesy of Art Basel.
De Bellis, who oversees Art Basel's four major fairs, is committed to expanding the organization’s influence in Asia beyond the well-established Art Basel Hong Kong through its collaboration with Art Week Tokyo. This year’s Art Week Tokyo will present an impressive lineup, featuring 53 museums, galleries, and art spaces, showcasing an eclectic mix of exhibitions by both Japanese and international contemporary artists.
In an exclusive interview, de Bellis articulated his vision for the event, stating, “We want to showcase the exceptional art being created in Japan, both historically and in the present, and provide it with a global platform. Our aim is to elevate the extraordinary quality of Japanese art and attract the attention of audiences worldwide.” He believes that Art Week Tokyo will not only highlight established artists but also nurture emerging talents, cultivating a new generation of collectors and art enthusiasts.
This year’s program will include a curated sales platform AWT Focus, and a pop-up AWT Bar, designed to engage diverse audiences and foster connections between art lovers and creators. AWT Focus, curated by the esteemed Mami Kataoka, Director of the Mori Art Museum for its 2024 edition, will delve into Japanese contemporary art within the broader context of Asia-Pacific practices. Kataoka, renowned for her insightful curation of major exhibitions, including the Aichi Triennale 2022, is an ideal leader for this initiative.
This year’s AWT Video program will be overseen by Sohrab Mohebbi, Director of SculptureCenter in New York, further enhancing the event’s international perspective. De Bellis expresses confidence in the contributions of these esteemed curators, stating, “Exceptional curators help shape narratives. Mami and Sohrab each bring unique strengths, ensuring that Art Week Tokyo presents a compelling mix of strong local talent with significant international visibility.”
Reflecting on the burgeoning interest in Japan's contemporary art landscape, de Bellis highlights the enduring influence of the Gutai group, noting its significance in understanding contemporary art today. “The Gutai group has captured international attention for many years, yet there’s still much to explore regarding their contributions,” he remarked. He also underscored the importance of both historical and contemporary Japanese photography, an area he believes merits greater visibility.
Last year, Art Week Tokyo attracted 43,000 visitors, underscoring the event's growing popularity. As Art Basel deepens its collaboration with Art Week Tokyo, de Bellis anticipates an even more dynamic and enriching experience for attendees this November.
With a steadfast commitment to nurturing the development of the art market and fostering connections between local and international audiences, Art Week Tokyo is set to become a landmark event on the global art calendar, celebrating the best of what Japan has to offer and solidifying its place in the international art scene.
Art Week Tokyo（AWT)
Date: November 7th to 10th
Opening hours: 10:00〜18:00
Venue：53 museums/institutions/galleries in Tokyo AWT FOCUS, AWT BAR and other program sites
Website: https://www.artweektokyo.com/
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