#Japan #Shibuya #Masato Yamaguchi #Kogaken #SELFY Exhibition

Masato Yamaguchi's 'SELFY' Exhibition in Shibuya

The contemporary artist, Masato Yamaguchi, known for his compelling work in the art world, is set to present his grandest exhibition yet, titled 'SELFY'. This highly anticipated event, commemorating the fifth anniversary of the 'SELFY' series, will take place at Parco Museum Tokyo, located on the 4th floor of Shibuya PARCO. Notably, it’s an expansive archive exhibition that connects with the chaotic street culture of Shibuya, which has been evolving since the 1990s. Through this exhibition, Yamaguchi aims to redefine the act of 'selfie-taking' as a form of modern art while questioning the relevance and impact of such practices today.

Special Talk Event with Kogaken

In conjunction with the exhibition, a unique talk event featuring the comedian Kogaken will be held on August 8th. This one-day-only engagement promises to showcase the unexpected connections between Yamaguchi and Kogaken, providing a platform for discussing artistic expression across genres. Attendees can look forward to an insightful dialogue that reflects on contemporary society from their unique perspectives. Details regarding this event, including any further updates, will be shared through PARCO ART's official website and social media channels.

Event Details

• - Location: Shibuya PARCO 4F, PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO
• - Date & Time: August 8 (Saturday), 14:00 - 15:30
• - Capacity: First 30 participants
• - Entry Fee: Free (Exhibition admission fee of ¥500 required)
• - Seating: First 30 guests will have seating; others will need to stand.
• - Note: Portions of the exhibition will close at 13:00 for event setup. Admission may be regulated during busy periods.

The 'SELFY' Series

Since its inception in late 2020, Masato Yamaguchi's 'SELFY' series has garnered enthusiastic support from various circles, extending its reach to exhibitions in South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, London, and France. This international recognition speaks volumes about the series' impact and significance. Yamaguchi poses a thought-provoking question: "Isn't the act of taking selfies a pinnacle of modern portraiture?" For five years, he has been revisiting and updating the concept of portraiture in art history, collaborating with iconic figures of contemporary culture along the way. This project transcends individual expression, morphing into a social commentary that mirrors the zeitgeist of our times.

Merchandise Available

To accompany the exhibition, a range of limited-edition merchandise will be available at the venue. Iconic items such as caps featuring Yamaguchi's signature star mark and durable water bottles will be offered, alongside an exclusive A2-sized poster designed under Yamaguchi's direct supervision. Additionally, items from previous collaborations with apparel brand ReZARD will be on sale again, inviting attendees to seize this opportunity to purchase unique memorabilia.

Selected Merchandise (Prices include tax)

• - Acrylic Keychain: ¥1,800
• - Acrylic Block: ¥2,800
• - Frost Bottle (Water Bottle): ¥4,800
• - Cap: ¥8,800
• - Art Books: ¥9,500
• - Posters (5 types): ¥11,800 (individual) / ¥38,000 (set)
• - Art Book & Poster Set: ¥15,800
• - MDF Puzzle: ¥28,000 (small) / ¥58,000 (large)
• - Mini Stencil Object: ¥88,000

Workshop Opportunity

During the exhibition, an exciting workshop will allow attendees to create their unique T-shirts using a stainless steel sheet crafted by Yamaguchi himself. Participants can spray their designs onto shirts brought from home, crafting one-of-a-kind wearable art.

• - Location: Inside the workshop area of the exhibition venue
• - Time: During opening hours (Registration closes 30 minutes before closing)
• - Fee: ¥1,000 (Exhibition admission fee of ¥500 required)
• - Participants are advised to wear clothes that can get stained, or bring an apron as spray paint will be used. Note that no blank items for printing will be provided on-site.

The Legacy of Masato Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi's works often evoke feelings of déjà vu, as his portrayals of women in selfies resonate deeply with contemporary digital culture. These images reflect a time where boundaries between reality and virtuality are increasingly blurred, echoing the work of legendary figures such as Andy Warhol, who captured the essence of cultural icons in his art. In an era where everyone connects through the internet and social media, Yamaguchi's sensitivity to these shifts in reality encourages us to contemplate the nature of existence itself.

Masato Yamaguchi continues to challenge the definitions of art and reality through the lens of 'transreality', inspiring reflections on our modern engagements with identity, connection, and technology.

Exhibition Information

• - Exhibition: Masato Yamaguchi's 'SELFY'
• - Venue: PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO, Shibuya PARCO 4F, Tokyo, Japan
• - Exhibition Dates: August 7, 2026 - September 7, 2026 11:00 - 21:00 (Last entry 30 minutes before closing; last day closes at 18:00)
• - Admission: General ¥500 (Free for preschoolers)
• - Organized by: PARCO Co., Ltd
• - Cooperated by: TRUEFALSE Co., Ltd
• - Space Design: Kanon Co., Ltd
• - Event Website: PARCO ART