#Japan #Tokyo #GINZA SIX #Julian Opie #Marathon Women

Julian Opie's Installation: 'Marathon. Women.' at GINZA SIX

Starting from September 11, 2025, GINZA SIX, the largest commercial facility in the Ginza area, will unveil an exciting new installation by the prominent contemporary artist Julian Opie. This latest work, titled 'Marathon. Women.', will be displayed in the expansive atrium located at the center of the building.

GINZA SIX has made a name for itself as a cultural hub from which creative expressions radiate globally, collaborating with renowned artists and creators. Visitors are encouraged to explore various art installations throughout the venue while enjoying shopping, making it a unique cultural experience.

Opie's 'Marathon. Women.' features a sophisticated installation composed of vibrant and simple visuals showcasing female runners. These animated figures, depicted with colorful lines, run at varying speeds across a large, floating LED screen, transforming the atrium into a living canvas.

This innovative artwork, which is Opie's first 'floating' video installation, is meticulously crafted to resonate with the surrounding lively atmosphere of GINZA SIX, creating a seamless blend between the art and the space itself. The installation captures the primal human act of running, enveloping visitors in a sense of immersion, and providing new insights as they experience the art.

Visitors will be able to view this dynamic piece from multiple angles as they navigate through the atrium, an unprecedented ‘moving’ artwork in this space. This spatial quality enhances the viewing experience, inviting observers to engage with the piece actively as they travel across different floors of the atrium.

Installation Overview

Artist: Julian Opie
Artwork Title: Marathon. Women.
Location: Central Atrium, GINZA SIX, Floor 2
Exhibition Period: September 11, 2025 - Fall 2026 (Tentative)
Dimensions: W 10m x D 8m x H 1m
Organizer: GINZA SIX Retail Management Corporation
Collaborating Gallery: MAHO KUBOTA GALLERY

The installation presents seven runners, each represented with different colors and speeds, endlessly sprinting across the surface of a square screen that appears to float in the air. This dual-sided display extends visuals on both inner and outer surfaces, allowing for a compelling viewing experience from floors 2 to 5, where diverse perspectives can be appreciated.

Opie's signature visual language, which is immediately recognizable, reflects our understanding and perception of images. His influences range from classical portraiture and Egyptian hieroglyphics to Japanese ukiyo-e prints and modern signage. 'Marathon. Women.' beautifully ties together contemporary, simplistic visual expressions with essential elements of art history, demonstrating the depth and resonance of movement and human instinct.

About Julian Opie

Born in London, Julian Opie studied art at Goldsmiths College. His unique style not only makes his work acclaimed in the art world but also resonates with a broad culture scene. His projects span several major exhibitions and public spaces worldwide, including the UK, Australia, and various renowned art fairs such as the Venice Biennale. Opie's work is part of prestigious collections globally, including Tate Gallery and MoMA.

Through his art, Opie invites audiences to rethink their perceptions, merging everyday visuals with artistic expression in innovative ways. His installation 'Marathon. Women.' is anticipated to be a significant cultural highlight as part of GINZA SIX's mission to foster artistic dialogue and cultural exchange.

For further insights, an exclusive interview with Julian Opie, which delves into the making of 'Marathon. Women.' and his perspective on public art, will be available on the GINZA SIX website starting September 11, 2025 at this link.