#Japan #Tokyo #Mori Art Award #Mari Katayama #Mori Museum

Introduction

The Mori Art Award is a prestigious recognition of contemporary art, that focuses on mid-career Japanese artists or those with a significant connection to Japan. From October 31, 2026, to March 28, 2027, the Mori Art Museum will proudly present a commemorative exhibition for Mari Katayama, the inaugural Grand Prize winner of the Mori Art Award 2026.

The Mori Art Award

Established by the Mori Contemporary Art Foundation, the Mori Art Award takes place biennially, with candidates chosen based on remarkable exhibitions and works presented over the last two years. Comprising both domestic and international representatives, the competition begins with selections made by a Japanese recommendation committee. Following this, an international jury evaluates candidates’ submissions before finalizing the Grand Prize winner through an in-person review process. The Grand Prize includes a monetary award of 10 million yen and the opportunity to showcase a commemorative exhibition at the Mori Art Museum, while three finalists each receive 1 million yen.

Mari Katayama: An Artist's Journey

Mari Katayama, born in 1987 and based in Gunma, has gained international acclaim for her unique approach that blends film photography, embroidery, and handcrafted textiles. She artfully utilizes these mediums to explore the boundaries of her body, provoking discussions about societal norms surrounding nature, artifice, and righteousness. Her work often intertwines themes of personal identity and collective experience, offering a lens through which viewers can revisit their understanding of the world.

At the upcoming exhibition, attendees can expect to experience installations from her recent series 'tree of life,' which is archived at the prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum in London. This body of work is noted for its emphasis on the interconnectedness of life, paved by her intricate craftsmanship and visionary perspectives.

Exhibition Details

The Mori Art Award 2026 Grand Prize Commemorative Exhibition: Mari Katayama will take place at the Mori Museum's small exhibition area located at Roppongi Hills, Tokyo. It coincides with another exhibition titled Mariko Mori: Sansan, allowing guests to immerse themselves in two distinct yet contemporary artistic narratives.

• - Location: Mori Art Museum, 53rd Floor, Mori Tower, Roppongi Hills, Tokyo
• - Exhibition Period: October 31, 2026 - March 28, 2027
• - Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Last admission 30 minutes before closing); closed on no days during the exhibition, except for Tuesdays (until 5:00 PM). Notable exceptions include November 3rd and February 23rd, when hours are extended.
• - Ticket Information: Visitors can access the exhibition by purchasing tickets for the concurrent exhibition of Mariko Mori: Sansan.

| Ticket Type | Weekday (On-site) | Weekday (Online) | Weekend & Holidays (On-site) | Weekend & Holidays (Online) |
|-----|-----|---|-------|-------|
| General | 2,800 yen | 2,600 yen | 3,000 yen | 2,800 yen |
| Students (High School / University) | 1,700 yen | 1,600 yen | 1,800 yen | 1,700 yen |
| Under Middle School | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Seniors (65 and over) | 2,400 yen | 2,200 yen | 2,600 yen | 2,400 yen |

For further inquiries, the museum can be contacted at 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial).

Conclusion

Mari Katayama's art challenges the traditional boundaries set by society, inviting viewers to rethink the connections that define human experience. The Mori Art Award 2026 exhibition promises to be an enriching opportunity for art enthusiasts and a testament to the evolving landscape of contemporary art in Japan.

To discover more about Katayama’s work, visit her official website. Check out the event’s detailed information on the Mori Art Museum's site.

With a history of pulling together innovative artists and engaging exhibitions, the Mori Art Museum continues to affirm its role as a significant hub for contemporary art in Japan and beyond.