The Neo Art Magazine

Tokyo Gendai 2024 promises to be an exciting continuation of Japan’s premier international art fair, set to take place from July 5 to 7 at PACIFICO Yokohama, with a VIP preview on July 4. This year’s programming includes an array of exhibitions, talks, and interactive events that spotlight both established and emerging talents in contemporary art.

Key Highlights

Exhibitions and Special Projects

The centerpiece exhibition, “ALL THINGS ARE DELICATELY INTERCONNECTED,” curated by Spectrum, showcases the work of four distinguished female artists. Mika Tajima, known for her interdisciplinary approach, combines elements of sculpture, painting, and performance to explore the impact of technology on human perception. Miya Ando, who bridges Eastern and Western aesthetics, uses materials like metal and wood to reflect on nature and transience. Jenny Holzer, a renowned conceptual artist, employs LED displays and stone carvings to present socially and politically charged messages. Sareena Sattapon, a visual artist from Thailand, engages with performance, photography, and video to comment on cultural identity and social issues​​.

This exhibition aims to foster dialogue about the interconnectedness of different cultures and the environment, highlighting the diverse perspectives of women artists in contemporary art. The Spectrum collective’s goal is to elevate underrepresented voices and challenge conventional narratives in the art world​​.

Sato ‘Meadow’

The “Sato ‘Meadow’” sector features large-scale installations that encourage viewers to engage with art in immersive ways. Notable installations include “The Cowboys on the Grass” by Yuichiro E. Tamura, a performance piece inspired by Édouard Manet’s “The Luncheon on the Grass,” reimagined with a modern twist. Kengo Kito’s “LINES” uses vibrant, linear patterns to transform space and perception. These installations exemplify Tokyo Gendai’s commitment to innovative and experiential art practices​​.

Art Talks

The Art Talks series is set to be a major draw, featuring high-profile speakers from the global art community. Marc Glimcher of Pace Gallery will discuss the role of contemporary galleries in nurturing emerging artists and expanding the art market. Alexander S.C. Rower will share insights into the legacy of Alexander Calder and the challenges of preserving and promoting his work. Mami Kataoka, a leading figure in Japanese contemporary art, will explore the intersections of art, culture, and society in her talk. These discussions promise to provide valuable perspectives on current trends and future directions in the art world​.

Workshops and Interactive Events

The “IntoArt” workshops are a significant addition to this year’s programming, designed to inspire and educate young minds through hands-on art activities. Led by renowned artists and curated by experts like sculptor Kohei Nawa and curator Kensho Tanahara, these workshops will offer children the opportunity to learn directly from professional artists and explore various art forms. This initiative underscores Tokyo Gendai’s dedication to fostering creativity and supporting arts education​ .

Gallery Presentations

The fair’s gallery presentations are divided into three sectors:

• Galleries: This sector includes a diverse range of international and regional galleries. Pace Gallery will feature a solo presentation by Robert Longo, known for his powerful, large-scale works that often address social and political themes. Other participating galleries include Almine Rech, exhibiting contemporary European artists, and Perrotin, known for showcasing cutting-edge international talent​.
• Hana ‘Flower’: Focused on early to mid-career artists, this sector will highlight innovative and experimental works. Alison Jacques Gallery from London will present new works by Sophie Barber, which delve into the interplay between Japanese symbolism and Western art history. Misako & Rosen, along with The Green Gallery, will feature paintings by Trevor Shimizu, whose work explores themes of identity and self-representation​​.
• Eda ‘Branch’: This sector highlights historically significant and established artists from Asia. Galleries like PYO Gallery will showcase works by notable artists such as Kim Tschang-yeul, whose water drop paintings are celebrated for their meticulous detail and meditative quality. This sector aims to provide a deeper understanding of Asia’s rich artistic heritage and its influence on contemporary art​.

Satellite Events

In addition to the main fair, Tokyo Gendai 2024 will host several satellite events that offer broader engagement with the local art scene. The opening party at the Yokohama Museum of Art will set the tone for the fair, featuring performances and installations by participating artists. The Mori Art Museum will present “Theaster Gates: Afro-Mingei,” an exhibition that merges African American and Japanese folk art traditions, showcasing the artist’s diverse practice in ceramics, architecture, and music​​.

Tokyo Gendai 2024 not only highlights the vibrancy of Japan’s contemporary art scene but also fosters a global dialogue through its diverse and comprehensive programming. The fair promises to be a significant cultural event, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience and engage with contemporary art from around the world.

Here is a categorized list of the participating galleries for Tokyo Gendai 2024, organized by their respective sectors:

Galleries Sector

• Pace Gallery (New York, London, Seoul, Geneva, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Tokyo)
• Almine Rech (Paris, Brussels, London, New York, Shanghai, Monaco)
• BLUM (Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo)
• Ceysson & Bénétière (Saint-Étienne, Paris, Lyon, Luxembourg, Geneva, New York, Panéry, Tokyo)
• Chalk Horse (Sydney)
• Each Modern (Taipei)
• Galerie EIGEN + ART (Leipzig, Berlin)
• Galerie frank elbaz (Paris)
• Gallery EXIT (Hong Kong)
• gallery rosenfeld (London)
• GALLERY SIDE 2 (Tokyo)
• imura art gallery (Kyoto)
• Kaikai Kiki Gallery (Tokyo)
• Kamakura Gallery (Kamakura)
• KOSAKU KANECHIKA (Tokyo)
• KOTARO NUKAGA (Tokyo)
• Kwai Fung Hin Art Gallery (Hong Kong)
• MAHO KUBOTA GALLERY (Tokyo)
• MAKI Gallery (Tokyo)
• MISA SHIN GALLERY (Tokyo)
• Mizuma Art Gallery (Tokyo, Singapore)
• NANZUKA (Tokyo)
• nca | nichido contemporary art (Tokyo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Paris)
• Over the Influence (Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Bangkok)
• Perrotin (Tokyo, Paris, Hong Kong, New York, Seoul, Shanghai, Los Angeles)
• Polígrafa Obra Gràfica (Barcelona)
• Sadie Coles HQ (London)
• SCAI THE BATHHOUSE (Tokyo)
• ShugoArts (Tokyo)
• SPURS Gallery (Beijing)
• Sundaram Tagore Gallery (New York)
• Taka Ishii Gallery (Tokyo, Kyoto, Maebashi)
• Takuro Someya Contemporary Art (Tokyo)
• Tang Contemporary Art (Hong Kong, Beijing, Seoul, Bangkok)
• TARO NASU (Tokyo)
• Wada Fine Arts Y++ (Tokyo)

Hana ‘Flower’ Sector

• Alison Jacques (London)
• ANOMALY (Tokyo)
• BLANKgallery (Shanghai, Tokyo)
• Gallery 38 (Tokyo)
• Gallery Nosco (Brussels)
• GALLERY TARGET (Tokyo)
• HARUKAITO by ISLAND (Tokyo, Atami)
• Hillside Gallery (Tokyo)
• MISAKO & ROSEN (Tokyo)
• MOU PROJECTS (Hong Kong)
• MtK Contemporary Art (Kyoto)
• Nan Ke (Shanghai)
• PARCEL (Tokyo)
• Phillida Reid (London)
• Retro Africa (Abuja)
• rin art association (Takasaki)
• SAC Gallery (Bangkok)
• Sapar Contemporary Gallery + Incubator (New York)
• The Drawing Room (Makati City)
• The Green Gallery (Milwaukee)
• The Pill (Istanbul, Paris)
• Tomio Koyama Gallery (Tokyo)
• Unit 17 (Vancouver)
• VIN VIN (Vienna, Naples)
• Yutaka Kikutake Gallery (Tokyo)

Eda ‘Branch’ Sector

• Althuis Hofland Fine Arts (Amsterdam)
• Hunsand Space (Beijing, Shijiazhuang, Hangzhou)
• LEE & BAE (Busan)
• PYO Gallery (Seoul)