#Japan #Tokyo #ArtSticker #kudan house #Martin Margiela

Discover Martin Margiela's First Major Exhibition in Japan

The renowned artist Martin Margiela is set to debut his first large-scale exhibition in Japan titled "MARTIN MARGIELA AT KUDAN HOUSE". Hosted at the historically significant Kudan House, a registered tangible cultural property in Tokyo, this exhibition marks a unique intersection of contemporary art and historical architecture. The exhibition is currently offering tickets via the ArtSticker platform, a service provided by The Chain Museum.

Venue and Context

Kudan House, a Spanish-style mansion completed in 1927, serves as the perfect backdrop for this innovative exhibition. Margiela's fascination with contrasting contemporary art against a historic residential setting allows for a rich dialogue between the past and the present. Throughout this majestic mansion, visitors will find a range of works presented as fleeting yet profound installations.

Insight into the Artist

Since transitioning from the fashion world to visual arts in 2008, Martin Margiela has continuously explored themes of reuse, deconstruction, and transformation. His works are deeply inspired by the human form and everyday observations, transforming mundane objects into extraordinary experiences. The exhibition will feature a variety of techniques, including collage, painting, drawing, sculpture, assemblage, and video, each designed to reflect Margiela's personal artistic voice.

The choice to showcase his works in an aging residence laden with traces of past lives signifies Margiela's desire to create a deeply intimate atmosphere that resonates with visitors. Every room in Kudan House invites attendees to engage closely with the art in a uniquely personal setting, allowing for a transformative experience.

Artist's Statement

Margiela emphasizes the importance of anonymity as a means of preserving his creative freedom:

"Anonymity is essential for protecting the privacy required for my creative exploits. I retain the same interests and obsessions as in the fashion world, but the human body is no longer the sole medium of expression."

He expresses a continual inclination to observe and derive inspiration from the commonplace materials and situations surrounding him. Although various technological aids have emerged, he remains devoted to showcasing the handcrafting processes involved in his art, intertwining imperfection, patina, and unfinished beauty into his creations.

"Rather than providing answers, I wish to pose questions."

About Kudan House

The upcoming exhibition is located in Kudan House, a place that evokes a sense of private intimacy reminiscent of its original function as a family residence. Margiela is deeply attuned to the atmosphere and aesthetic of the house, which further enhances the experience he hopes to create for visitors. In the year 2000, Margiela opened the first-ever Maison Martin Margiela store in Tokyo, where he exhibited his collection throughout a historic house, including spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. Now, after more than two decades, Margiela returns to Japan to showcase his work in another historic environment, Kudan House.

"I am excited to present my works in this house built in 1927, similar to the experiences from 2000, where visitors can encounter my art within the familiar spaces of intimate rooms."

About Martin Margiela

Born in Leuven, Belgium, in 1957, Margiela graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp in 1980. He began his career as a design assistant at Jean-Paul Gaultier's studio from 1984 to 1987. In 1988, he co-founded Maison Martin Margiela in Paris and debuted at a fashion show. He led the women’s creative direction at Hermès from 1997 to 2003 and shifted focus to visual arts in 2008 after a two-decade career in fashion. His recent exhibitions have traversed several prestigious spaces worldwide, including the Bielefeld Kunsthalle and Lafayette Anticipations in Paris.

Exhibition Overview

• - Title: MARTIN MARGIELA AT KUDAN HOUSE
• - Dates: April 11 to April 29, 2026
• - Location: Kudan House, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan

This exhibition is organized by Takuto Harada of rin art association, in cooperation with Kudan House and several galleries. With support from JINS Holdings and a network of artistic collaborators, the event promises to be a significant cultural offering.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArtSticker.

This carefully curated display of Margiela's works invites audiences to reflect on contemporary art's relationship with history and the environment in which it resides, ultimately creating a dynamic space for dialogue and exploration.