The National Art Center, Tokyo (NACT) will present the exhibition "Japanese Contemporary Art and the World 1989-2010 (working title)" in autumn 2025, a collaborative project with Hong Kong's M+. This exhibition marks the first international curatorial collaboration focusing on Japanese art and has been drawing significant attention.
Reference Image: Tatsuo Miyajima, Mega Death, 1999 ©Tatsuo Miyajima, ©Estate of Shigeo ANZAÏ, 1999. Courtesy of ANZAÏ Photo Archive, The National Art Center, Tokyo
The exhibition examines Japanese contemporary art from multiple perspectives, focusing on approximately 20 years from 1989 (the beginning of the Heisei era) to 2011 (the year of the Great East Japan Earthquake). During this period, artistic activities across borders became more active with the progress of globalization, bringing significant changes to Japan's art world.
The exhibition is structured around three themes: "identities”,“memories and counter-memories”, and “ network of relationships”. The "identities” section showcases the complexly evolving face of Japanese contemporary art, including the fusion of tradition and innovation, cultural and gender diversity, and the influence of youth and popular culture.
The “memories and counter-memories” section focuses on personal and collective memories, featuring works that raise questions about historical authenticity and power structures. It attempts to unearth and examine historical layers that have not been adequately addressed before.
The “network of relationships” section highlights diverse collaborations between artists, local communities, and international art communities. It introduces how intercultural exchange networks established during this period laid the foundation for contemporary socially engaged art practices.
Reference Image: Kodai Nakahara, Untitled (Lego Monster), 1990, ©Kodai Nakahara, ©Estate of Shigeo ANZAI, 1990, Courtesy of ANZAI Photo Archive, The National Art Center, Tokyo
The exhibition will showcase works by Japanese artists active both domestically and internationally, as well as international artists connected to Japan. It aims to move beyond conventional notions of Japanese art as "unique," presenting it instead as a pluralistic entity where multiple histories and contexts coexist.
Japanese Contemporary Art and the World 1989-2010 (working title)
Period: September 3 (Wed) - December 8 (Mon), 2025
Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo, Gallery 1E
(7-22-2 Roppongi Minato-ku Tokyo 106-8558 Japan)
Co-organizer: M+
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