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SBI Art Auction: A Celebration of Contemporary Art

The 79th SBI Art Auction is set to take place on April 10 and 11, 2026, promising an exciting showcase of over 530 diverse artworks. Hosted by SBI Art Auction Co., Ltd. in Koto, Tokyo, this auction will include a plethora of pieces from various categories such as design furniture, paintings, and sculptural works.

As spring arrives, marking the beginning of new beginnings, it’s the perfect time to refresh our living spaces with inspiring art. This auction will introduce viewers to works that are both approachable in size and relatable in themes, encouraging everyone to appreciate the joys of art in everyday life.

Notable Highlights from the Auction

One of the featured items is the August Chair, designed by renowned architect Aldo Rossi and interior designer Shigeo Uchida for the IL PALAZZO Hotel in Fukuoka City, a pioneer of designer hotels since it opened in 1989. This chair balances sculptural beauty with functionality, making it a stunning conversational piece for any room.

Another standout is FAT POCKETS SKINNY (ICE CUBE) by artist Mark Drew, who seamlessly merges characters from the beloved comic strip Peanuts with elements of 1990s hip-hop culture. This artwork reinterprets familiar imagery with clever text, adding an element of familiarity that engages art lovers.

Additionally, artworks from Shinya Hizuta, who has significantly influenced contemporary artists through education, will also be featured. His pieces convey tranquility and depth with familiar motifs and landscapes, showcasing a blend of Western and Eastern artistic techniques.

Hiroshi Senju will present Metalfall #5-Ⅱ (Matte Finish), which merges traditional Japanese painting elements with modern abstraction. Known for his representations of water and waterfalls, Senju captures the serene yet powerful essence of nature through innovative techniques that change appearance depending on light and viewing angle. This piece adds a calming tension to any space it occupies.

Moreover, Yoshifumi Mori will exhibit POP #5, which reflects his unique approach of combining classic artistry with subcultural icons from manga and anime, creating an engaging commentary on contemporary culture. The piece resonates with recognizable elements without explicitly depicting them, maintaining visual intrigue throughout.

Auction Details

The auction will include a total of 536 items, with sales conducted through telephone, written bids, or online channels, streamed live on YouTube. This format allows for a dynamic experience, giving participants the chance to bid in real time.

Upcoming Events

Following the 79th auction, the 80th SBI Art Auction titled Modern and Contemporary Art will be held on May 22 and 23, 2026, followed by the 81st auction focusing on A Passage from the Important Japanese Collection on May 30, 2026.

About SBI Art Auction

Since its establishment in 2011, SBI Art Auction has gained a reputation for presenting quality contemporary art, modern art, photographs, and crafts through public auctions. With an international customer base spanning 63 countries, half of the total auction sales come from international customers, reflecting the auction's global perspective on the Japanese art market.

The focus remains on promoting the growth of the Japanese art market while introducing works from international artists that are rarely available through domestic auctions.

For art enthusiasts looking to enrich their collections or anyone interested in the joy of art ownership, the SBI Art Auction offers an excellent opportunity to explore new dimensions in the art world.

For more information, visit the SBI Art Auction website or check out their latest updates on Instagram.