‘prism of the Real’ makes Two Turbulent Decades Tangible with Art
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Tokyo, Japan – A new exhibition at The National Art Center, Tokyo (NACT) is offering a retrospective look at Japanese art from 1989-2010, a period marked by significant social and cultural shifts.
Reframing time and Outlook
The exhibition, titled “Prism of the Real: Making Art in Japan 1989-2010,” challenges conventional notions of time, echoing the idea that time is not merely measured but experienced. This perspective was highlighted by Doryun Chong,chief curator of the Hong Kong contemporary visual culture museum M+,and curatorial director of the exhibit,during a recent press conference when questioned about the chosen timeframe.
Chong noted the arbitrary nature of the Gregorian calendar, suggesting that the exhibit aims to present a more fluid understanding of time, mirroring how it is indeed perceived in various cultures.
A Global Lens on Japanese Art
“Prism of the Real” distinguishes itself through its inclusive curation, extending beyond solely Japanese artists. The exhibition features 170 works by over 50 artists, with approximately one-third originating from creators born or based outside of Japan.This approach underscores a porous view of Japanese art and its interconnectedness with global influences.
Notable artists featured include Japanese icons Yoshitomo Nara and Yayoi Kusama, alongside international figures such as French contemporary artist Pierre Huyghe and Argentina-born Thai artist Rirkrit Tiravanija.
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