#Japan #Contemporary Art #Shibuya #Japanese Ceramics #UESHIMA MUSEUM

UESHIMA MUSEUM Unveils New Exhibitions

The UESHIMA MUSEUM, located in Shibuya, is excited to announce its third collection exhibition, titled "The Image Burns, Distorts, and Sublimates into Light," along with a tea ceremony-themed exhibition called "UTSUHO: The Hollow of Time." Both exhibitions will be open to the public starting from September 2, 2026, featuring curated selections by prominent figures in the art world, including Yuko Hasegawa and Yuki Nara.

Redefining Contemporary Art

The exhibition "The Image Burns, Distorts, and Sublimates into Light" will showcase a diverse range of contemporary artworks, all focusing on the theme of simultaneity. Yuko Hasegawa, the curator who previously served as the director of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, has meticulously selected pieces that explore the dualities evident within urban environments, emotions, and narratives. The layout will take patrons on a physical and conceptual journey from the basement to the top floor, transitioning from emotional imagery to abstract representations of light.

The exhibition will highlight over 850 works from the UESHIMA MUSEUM COLLECTION, which encompasses a broad spectrum of contemporary art from renowned artists around the globe. Each floor will present a different thematic focus:

• - B1F: Dissolution and Landscape
• - 1F: City and Trace
• - 2F: Repetition and Image
• - 3F: Portrait and Concealment
• - 4F: Fragment and City
• - 5F: Light and Shadow – Towards a Place Where the Image Is Let Go

Each section invites the viewer to contemplate the transformations that occur as they ascend through the museum spaces, symbolizing a shift in perception from the tangible to the ethereal.

Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

Simultaneously, the exhibition "UTSUHO: The Hollow of Time," curated by Yuki Nara, will delve into the intersection of traditional tea ceremony practices and contemporary artistry. By arranging works chronologically, this exhibition will explore how the embodiment of craftsmanship in ceramics has evolved over time.

Nara's concept revolves around the idea of "utsuhō," which refers to the void or space within a tea bowl. The exhibition aims to understand not only the changes in form but also the underlying intentions of why humans create these forms, what they contain, and how their meanings may transform through generations.

The exhibition is structured into four chapters: Silence, Acceptance, Transformation, and Liberation. Visitors will be immersed in a sensory exploration of tea ceramics over the centuries, featuring works from notable artists like the fourth-generation craftsman Raku Ichiiri and others.

Exclusive Guided Tours

In conjunction with the exhibition launch, the museum will resume its popular Premium Guided Tours, which offer intimate, small-group experiences led by knowledgeable curators. These tours will be held before public opening times, inviting attendees to engage deeply with the artworks. Scheduled dates include September 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27, 2026, with limited slots available for booking.

A Cultural Landmark

The UESHIMA MUSEUM is not merely a gallery; it embodies the cultural vision of Mikio Ueshima, the founder of the UESHIMA MUSEUM COLLECTION, and his commitment to fostering a deep appreciation for both Japanese and global contemporary art. Situated within the esteemed Shibuya Educational Institution, the museum showcases a unique blend of history and modernity. Previous to its renovation, the building housed the British School in Tokyo, adding another layer to its rich legacy.

As the museum prepares for its upcoming exhibitions, it promises to engage and inspire art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, beckoning all to explore the compelling dialogues between tradition and modernity in art.

For more information and ticket reservations, please visit UESHIMA MUSEUM's official site.