#Japan #Tokyo #ArtSticker #The Chain Museum #AWT FOCUS

AWT FOCUS 2025: Exploring the Meaning of 'Reality'

Tokyo is set to host the much-anticipated event, AWT FOCUS, running from November 5 to November 9, 2025. This event, presented by The Chain Museum, invites art lovers and culture enthusiasts to delve into a unique experience that merges art viewing and purchasing under the provocative banner of 'What is Real?'. Set against the backdrop of contemporary discussions on the essence of reality in the era of social media and post-truth narratives, this exhibition challenges how we understand what is real in today's world.

The exhibition, curated by the renowned Adam Szymczyk, who served as the artistic director of documenta 14, is the third edition of AWT FOCUS and promises to offer diverse artistic expressions answering pressing social and political issues. Amidst the backdrop of increasing skepticism surrounding reality and the proliferation of digital illusions, visitors will explore how artists over the ages have grappled with the concept of reality.

A Deep Dive into Contemporary Art

AWT FOCUS forms a part of Art Week Tokyo (AWT), an annual event that celebrates the creativity and diversity of contemporary art across the city. Unlike typical art fairs with a centralized location, AWT encourages visitors to explore over 50 museums and galleries in Tokyo, each hosting its exhibitions alongside unique AWT programs and related activities.

The exhibition poses thought-provoking questions about reality. In an age where the line between the real and the fabricated becomes increasingly blurred, the question 'What is real?' invites artists and viewers alike to reflect on their perceptions. Works displayed will include a range of mediums—painting, sculpture, photography, and film—each serving as a portal into socio-political critiques through the lens of realism.

Curatorial Insight

Szymczyk's statement outlines the exhibition's intent: to explore the multifaceted representations of reality in modern and contemporary art. This exploration underscores how realism in art has often served as a critical tool for social progress. From historical figures like Honoré Daumier and Gustave Courbet to contemporary artists, the quest to define 'real' often meets with political contention, leading realism to be distorted under the influence of power.

In today's digital era, the challenge of maintaining authenticity is stark. As social media cultivates pseudo-realities, it's crucial to engage in conversations surrounding the implications of represented truths. According to Szymczyk, modern attempts to depict reality are often met with doubt, leading to a disconcerting landscape where everything feels ephemeral, as stark realities like natural disasters unexpectedly surface.

The exhibition encourages dialogue around loss of reality and belonging—a modern malaise that parallels global crises like environmental degradation and geopolitical tensions. Social media, while facilitating communication, often amplifies the non-real, deepening each individual's sense of alienation from tangible truths. Each work displayed prompts reflections on how artists respond to the complexities and nuances of human experience—grief, joy, and the search for meaning in our interconnected yet often isolated society.

Event Details

• - Venue: Okura Shukokan
• - Location: 2-10-3 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0001
• - Opening Times: 10 AM to 6 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM)
• - Tickets: General admission pre-sale tickets are priced at ¥1,500, with pairs available for ¥2,800. Student and child admissions are free.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official website: Art Week Tokyo

About The Chain Museum and ArtSticker

The Chain Museum, located in Shibuya, Tokyo, operates the ArtSticker platform, a valuable resource for experiencing art through various mediums—from established artists to rising stars. ArtSticker aims to connect people with art in both digital and physical spaces, facilitating deeper engagement with cultural expressions.

For curators and event organizers interested in integrating ticketing and audio guides through ArtSticker, please reach out via their website for more details.

Final Thoughts

AWT FOCUS 2025 is not just an exhibition; it’s a platform for critical engagement with the idea of reality in contemporary times. We invite you to partake in this exploration of art that transcends mere observation, encouraging active participation in defining what 'real' means in our society today.