#Japan #Contemporary Art #Shinagawa #Atsushi Suwa #WHAT MUSEUM

Atsushi Suwa: The Beauty Within at WHAT MUSEUM

WHAT MUSEUM, located in Shinagawa, Tokyo, will host a significant exhibition titled 'Atsushi Suwa: The Beauty Within' from September 11, 2025, to March 1, 2026. This event marks Atsushi Suwa's first major solo exhibition in three years, featuring approximately 80 works, including new still life and portrait paintings that reflect his artistic journey over the years.

A renowned figure in contemporary Japanese painting, Atsushi Suwa has made a name for himself by pushing the boundaries of realism. His exceptional technical skills bring life to his subjects and are deeply rooted in thorough research. Lately, Suwa has ventured into creating poignant portrayals of invisible entities, including the memory of those lost to wars and figures from myth and classical literature. This upcoming exhibition will center around his large-scale piece 'At the Waterside,' which serves as a chronicle of Suwa's artistic evolution, showcasing key works from his past alongside recent creations.

Amid the isolation stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and the tumultuous external world shaped by warfare and disaster, Suwa reflects on his experiences of caregiving for his mother, a phase that led him to gradually lose the desire to portray humanity. This exhibition serves as a documentary of the process through which this extraordinary portrait artist rekindles his connection to human subjects. With a keen and critical eye, Suwa continuously interrogates the nature of 'seeing' and 'creating,' bringing his ongoing thoughts and creativity to light in this presentation.

Profile of Atsushi Suwa

Atsushi Suwa was born in Hokkaido in 1967. He completed his Master’s degree in Painting at Musashino Art University. In 1994, he was selected as an overseas research student by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan, during which he stayed in Spain. He won the top award at an international painting competition hosted by the Fundación Barrié in 1995. Since 2018, he has been a professor in the Department of Oil Painting at Musashino Art University. His notable exhibitions include 'Atsushi Suwa: What You Cannot See' at the Suwa City Art Museum in 2011, 'Atsushi Suwa: Harbin 1945 Winter' at Naruyama Gallery in 2016, and 'Atsushi Suwa: Fire Behind the Orbit' at Fuchu Art Museum in 2022.

Photograph by Saki Nomura.

Exhibition Details

• - Exhibition Title: Atsushi Suwa: The Beauty Within
• - Dates: September 11, 2025 - March 1, 2026
• - Location: WHAT MUSEUM, 2-6-10 Higashi Shinagawa, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 140-0002
• - Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last admission at 5:00 PM)
• - Closed: Mondays (or the following Tuesday if it’s a public holiday), year-end from December 29, 2025, to January 3, 2026 (open on January 5, 2026)
• - Admission Fees: General 1,500 yen, University/College Students 800 yen, Free for High School Students and Younger
• - Organizer: WHAT MUSEUM
• - Curator: Takane Miyamoto (Associate Professor, Tokyo University of the Arts)
• - Special Cooperation: Kaori Fujino
• - Support: Naruyama Gallery
• - Sponsorship: Shinagawa Ward
• - Website: WHAT MUSEUM

Highlights of the Exhibition

A Major Solo Exhibition in Three Years

This exhibition will showcase approximately 80 pieces, including both classic masterpieces and new creations. Roughly 30 of these artworks represent entirely new works created specifically for this exhibition, featuring still life and unpublished pieces.

The Grand Piece ‘At the Waterside’

The main visual piece 'At the Waterside' embodies a new approach taken by Suwa, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic's restrictions. Stripped of conventional portraiture due to the lack of models, Suwa shifted his focus to exploring still life in his home studio while caring for his family. This large painting reflects his innovative process of utilizing found materials like old skeletal models and plaster to create a unique human form. Alongside this work, sketches documenting the creative journey will also be on display.

Documentary Film of the Studio

Accompanying the exhibition will be a documentary film chronicling the impact of the creative process behind 'At the Waterside.' Viewers will have the opportunity to experience Suwa's meticulously detailed approach to painting amidst an environment filled with various art materials and references.

Collaboration Between Literature and Art

Kaori Fujino, a notable Akutagawa Prize-winning author, will engage with Suwa's artistic process, creating short stories inspired by the still-life paintings produced in his studio. These narratives will be distributed to visitors in handouts, adding a literary dimension to the visual experience of the exhibition.

Publication of an Exhibition Catalog

A catalog capturing the artwork and insights into the creative processes will be published during the exhibition period. This published work will include Takane Miyamoto's curatorial insights and Kaori Fujino's short stories, providing a comprehensive overview of Suwa’s art.

Additional Events and Programs

Throughout the exhibition, a series of events featuring experts related to Suwa will also be held, encouraging dialogue on his artistic expression across various disciplines, including art history, technique, and materials. Specific details about these events will be announced soon.

Audio Guide Available

Visitors can download the official WHAT MUSEUM app for free audio guides that offer insightful commentary on the exhibited works and the exhibition's highlights.

About WHAT MUSEUM

WHAT MUSEUM is a unique museum space that transforms the storage area of a warehouse into a vibrant showcase of contemporary art and architecture. Operated by Terada Warehouse Co., Ltd., it serves as a cultural hub, representing the intersection of art and space. Through a diverse array of exhibits, including two-dimensional and three-dimensional works, architectural models, photography, and literary installations, WHAT MUSEUM embodies the cultural potential of its warehouse roots.

For inquiries related to this exhibition and WHAT MUSEUM, please reach out via email at [email protected].