#Japan #Tokyo #SBI Art Auction #Modern Legacy #Bloom Now

SBI Art Auction: A Celebration of Artistic Masterpieces

SBI Art Auction Co., based in Koto, Tokyo, is set to hold two remarkable auctions in March 2026—the 77th and 78th editions—entitled "Modern Legacy: An Important Japanese Collection of 20th & 21st Century Masters" and "Bloom Now". These events promise to bring together an exceptional selection of artworks that illustrate the rich dialogue between past and present artistic expressions.

Modern Legacy: Highlights of the Auction

The 77th SBI Art Auction will focus on a significant single-owner collection that showcases masterpieces from the 20th and 21st centuries. This auction aims to exhibit the trajectory of modern art history through selected works, enriching our understanding of the aesthetic evolution captured within this collection. Among the standout pieces is Léonard Foujita's Portrait of Hélène Frank, a pivotal artwork representing Foujita's peak in Paris where he secured international acclaim. The painting, created using his distinctive “milk white” technique, captures the delicate essence and strong presence of its subject, echoing the sophisticated cultural environment of 1920s Paris.

The auction will also present works by renowned European artists, including Edvard Munch and Egon Schiele. Munch's Madonna, celebrated for its themes of life, death, sensuality, and mystery, is a testament to the artist’s symbolic approach, combining both oil paintings and prints. Schiele's Female Nude is recognized for its raw, personal representation of the human form and contributes a bold, unembellished perspective to art.

From the American art scene, a significant piece by James Rosenquist, a leading figure in Pop Art, will also be featured. His 1969 work exhibits a collage-like technique that amplifies and fragments imagery from consumer society, compelling viewers to reflect on the nature of visual information.

The auction will include a range of sculptures, from large-scale to small-sized works. Noteworthy is Anish Kapoor’s Untitled, where the stainless steel surface interacts with its environment, challenging the viewer's perception. Jaume Plensa’s Tokyo’s Soul prompts introspection with a sculpture depicting a seated figure in a fetal position, invoking themes of silence and self-reflection. Additionally, a bust of Victor Hugo by Auguste Rodin exemplifies the essence of his artistry, often referred to as “the sculpture of spirit.”

This auction presents itself not merely as a collection of masterpieces, but as a unique opportunity to engage with the complex narratives of art history, transcending time and geography.

Auction Details for Modern Legacy

• - Date & Time: March 14, 2026, at 14:00
• - Venue: Tokyo International Forum Hall D5, Marunouchi 3-5-1, Chiyoda, Tokyo

Preview Schedule:

• - March 12, 2026: 11:00 - 19:00
• - March 13, 2026: 11:00 - 19:00
• - March 14, 2026: 11:00 - 13:00

Venue: Tokyo International Forum Hall D7

Participants can join via in-person, phone, written bids, or online. The auction proceedings will be streamed live on YouTube.

Bloom Now: A Fresh Perspective

Following Modern Legacy, the 78th SBI Art Auction will take place on March 15, 2026, dubbed Bloom Now. This auction marks a continuation of showcasing contemporary expressions that invigorate the arrival of spring in art. The exhibited pieces highlight the intersection of historic context and ongoing artistic innovation, encouraging new viewpoints.

A pivotal work in this auction is Painting for Painting 040 by Teppei Takeda, a rare piece from his celebrated series that experienced remarkable bids in the previous auction. The intricate works create a surprising depth through bold brush strokes and detailed line drawing.

Notable entries also include pieces from iconic Pop Art figures such as Roy Lichtenstein and Tom Wesselmann. Lichtenstein’s The Couple is a woodblock print that employs a simple palette directly linked to his iconic style, while Wesselmann’s Double Study for Bedroom Painting #2 vividly features the female form intertwined with everyday objects, representing a blend of the mundane and the extraordinary.

Furthermore, Lee Ufan’s work from the Relatum series, From the Line, consists of lines drawn in parallel to stimulate viewers' imagination. Another highlight, No Words Today by Spanish artist Javier Calleja, features an oversized canvas displaying a whimsical character, engaging audiences with its vibrant imagery.

With a focus on establishing new perspectives and celebrating the artistic legacy, those attending the Bloom Now auction will have the chance to discover unique art pieces that bridge the past with the present.

Auction Details for Bloom Now

• - Date & Time: March 15, 2026, at 14:00
• - Venue: Tokyo International Forum Hall D5, Marunouchi 3-5-1, Chiyoda, Tokyo

Preview Schedule:

• - March 12, 2026: 11:00 - 19:00
• - March 13, 2026: 11:00 - 19:00

Venue: Tokyo International Forum Hall D1 and D7

Participants may join through various bidding methods, and the events will also be available for viewing on YouTube.

Event: Talk on Foujita

In conjunction with the Modern Legacy auction, a talk event titled “Know More About Foujita: Footprints, Brush Strokes, and People” will also be conducted. The discussion will feature curator Mitsuhiro Wakayama from the Tokyo Station Gallery, focusing on Foujita’s Portrait of Hélène Frank and providing insights into the artist's journey, oeuvre, and relationships.

• - Date & Time: March 14, 2026, from 11:00 to 12:00 (registration starts at 10:30)
• - Venue: Tokyo International Forum Hall D5, Marunouchi 3-5-1, Chiyoda, Tokyo
• - Admission: Free, but prior registration is required

Join us to delve into the fascinating world of art, engage with spectacular pieces, and foster connections with fellow art lovers. This remarkable series of events promises to be a vibrant celebration of artistic legacy and innovation.