#Japan #Tokyo #Contemporary Art #VR Experience #kudan house

Exploring Modern Art Through History

The CURATION⇄FAIR Tokyo exhibition titled "Beauty, Ambiguity, and Context" is set to take place from January 23 to February 8, 2026, at the historic kudan house, a registered tangible cultural property in Tokyo. Organized by Universal Ad Network Inc. and curated by Mizuki Endo, this exhibition delves into the intersection of Japanese modern art and contemporary history.

As the final chapter of a curated series, this exhibition draws inspiration from significant speeches by Nobel laureates Yasunari Kawabata and Kenzaburō Ōe, emphasizing the relevance of Japanese literature and art through critical historical milestones such as the Great Kanto Earthquake. Each segment of the exhibition is designed to highlight various art forms, including Joseon white porcelain, modern paintings, and new works by contemporary artists like Teppei Sato and Yosuke Amano. Additionally, there will be screenings of video artworks, creating a multifaceted viewing experience.

The kudan house serves not just as a venue but as a symbol of resilience and survival, having emerged from the lessons learned after natural disasters. It provides a unique backdrop to discuss the evolution of Japanese visual arts alongside modernization, warfare, and natural calamities, prompting viewers to engage deeply with the aesthetic and historical narratives.

Features of the Exhibition

New VR Experience by Yosuke Amano

Contemporary artist Yosuke Amano will debut a site-specific VR artwork that connects the architectural memory of kudan house with the literary world of Kenzaburō Ōe. This innovative piece aims to reconstruct memories of past architectures and literature through the lens of future technology, allowing visitors to explore these connections interactively. Reservations are available for a limited number of viewers every 30 minutes, ensuring an intimate experience with this highlight of the exhibition.

Ambiguous Beauty in Joseon White Porcelain

In the Spanish-style mansion that houses the exhibition, numerous Joseon white porcelain pieces crafted centuries ago on the Korean Peninsula will be displayed. Many of these ceramics reflect the 'beauty of sorrow' and the 'beauty of the accidental,' as recognized by figures like Yanagi Soetsu. Their unique imperfections and ethereal qualities resonate with the theme of ambiguity that the exhibition title suggests.

Dive into Short Films

Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a mini film festival organized in collaboration with supporting galleries. This segment focuses on often-overlooked lengthy video works that are integral to modern art but challenging to view in traditional exhibition formats.

Engaging with Historical Works

The exhibition will also feature ukiyo-e prints by Keisuke Kobayashi, showcasing his nuanced take on the Sino-Japanese War. The presence of 'electric light' symbolizes modernization yet raises questions about its dualities in wartime contexts. By juxtaposing historical light with contemporary projection works, the exhibition critically examines the politics of light and aesthetics.

A New Beginning for Western Painting and Sculpture

Artifacts from post-World War II Japanese artists who formed the Nihon Bijutsukai will be on display, highlighting their declarations on how to rebuild art and culture in a war-ravaged Japan. The exhibition aims to trace the paths of 'failures' and 'hopes' following the war, providing insights into the evolution of Japanese art.

The Universality of Pure Painting

In the basement space, visitors will find abstract paintings by Teppei Sato, born in 1980. These works quietly counterbalance the historical weight of the above floors, allowing for a reconnection with the pure possibilities held within classic mediums like painting. This intimate encounter, complete with seating arrangements for comfortable viewing, acknowledges the domestic function of kudan house, encouraging personal reflection on the artworks.

Curatorial Insight

Curator Mizuki Endo comments, "The juxtaposition of cutting-edge technology through Amano's VR work and Sato's exploration of painting encapsulates the dual embrace of history's weight and the artistic quest for freedom. Navigating between these poles unveils the layered 'beauty' and 'ambiguity' inherent in art. Ultimately, I hope visitors can experience the foundational 'beauty' and 'ambiguity' art possesses."

Special Cafe Experience

In conjunction with the exhibition, a limited-time café will open on the third-floor balcony of the mansion. Guests can enjoy beverages while taking in the intricate Spanish-tiled roof and lush gardens below, creating a serene atmosphere to reflect on the exhibition's themes.

Curation Fair Details

The CURATION⇄FAIR also includes discussions and an art fair featuring around 20 galleries, blending the academic realms of art with commercial dynamics. Tickets are available for multiple entries during the exhibition period, ensuring guests have ample opportunity to absorb every facet of this landmark event.

For more information about the exhibition, schedules, and tickets, please visit CURATION⇄FAIR website.