#Japan #Tokyo #Art Exhibition #Manbo Key #Home Pleasure

Manbo Key's Solo Exhibition 'Home Pleasure'

Starting May 30, 2025, the vibrant and diverse world of Taiwanese artist Manbo Key will be showcased at 'PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO' in Shibuya, Tokyo. This exhibition, titled 'Home Pleasure', marks the first large-scale solo exhibit for Manbo Key in Japan.

Manbo Key, known for blending art and fashion while exploring queer culture, will present a thought-provoking journey that challenges perceptions of family, gender, sexuality, and queer identity. With curator Tomoko Yabumae from the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo, guests will be invited to explore various mediums including photography, video, and installation art.

Among the highlights of the exhibition is Manbo Key’s award-winning work, 'Father’s Videotapes', which received the Grand Prize at the Taipei Fine Arts Award. The installation will also feature unpublished pieces, including works from the series 'Father’s Video Tape_Avoid A Void', alongside new creations exclusively made for this exhibition. Furthermore, visitors can expect an exploration of family history through pieces inspired by Manbo’s grandmother, who was born during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. This personal narrative adds a deep cultural layer to the exhibited works.

Manbo Key's artistic journey began one fateful day in 1994 when he stumbled upon his father's forbidden collection of self-shot sex tapes. This pivotal moment unearthed a whirlwind of emotions—fear, confusion, and undeniable curiosity—carving a path for his artistic voice, particularly through the acclaimed 'Father’s Videotapes' presented in 2019 in Taiwan, a country known for its progressive stance where same-sex marriage was legalized.

The exploration of 'Home Pleasure' stems from the discovery of the phrase '居家娛樂' (translated as 'Home Pleasure') within over 50 videotapes inherited from his father. These recordings from the 1980s to the early 2000s encapsulate themes of sexuality, entertainment, travel, and the 'Mainland Dream', aiming not just to document personal history but to present a narrative intended for public viewing. Through these tapes, Manbo Key dissects historical context, intertwining his contemporary views while delving into personal and societal themes surrounding family dynamics, gender roles, and queer identity.

The exhibition emphasizes the importance of celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, aligning its opening during Global Pride Month to foster awareness and promote a society free from discrimination and prejudice. Entry to the exhibition is free, making art accessible to all.

Exhibition Details

• - Duration: May 30, 2025 - June 9, 2025
• - Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (last admission 30 minutes prior to closing; final day closing at 6:00 PM)
• - Venue: PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO, 4F Shibuya PARCO, 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Organizers: PARCO Co., Ltd.
• - Co-organizers: Avex Creator Agency, YOUR STORY LLC
• - Support: Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Japan, Taiwan Cultural Center
• - Entry Fee: Free
• - Official Website: art.parco.jp

In a world that often grapples with acceptance and diversity, Manbo Key's 'Home Pleasure' serves not just as an exhibition of art but as a celebration of unique narratives that contribute to the rich tapestry of human identity. As visitors experience the blend of emotions and stories captured in his works, they are encouraged to reflect on their perceptions of family, identity, and the broad spectrum of human experience.