As a part of ‘Japan Week’ celebration offering a diverse exhibit of Japanese contemporary art, the exhibition is jointly organised by Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation in collaboration with Pakistan National Council of the Arts, Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association, Islamabad, and the MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan.
Earlier, talking about the Japan Week celebration, Chihiro Atsumi, the Ambassador of Japan, said the earthquake following Tsunami and nuclear reactor damage resulted in tremendous destruction across a wide area, centred on North-Eastern part of Japan. He expressed his sincere gratitude for the kind and warm responses of the Government of Pakistan and its people, sharing the grief of the Japanese people through their messages of condolence and sympathy. “Your support and well wishes have enabled us to continue the events of Japan Week in Islamabad,” said Ambassador Atsumi.
A large number of visitors took keen interest in the display at the exhibition showcasing paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, and video works by eleven young contemporary Japanese artists. Before coming to Pakistan, the exhibition travelled around the world and received great accolades and appreciation for the innovation and aesthetic expression of Japanese artists. The contemporary art in Japan is naturally influenced by the world contemporary art and this exhibition introduces a sampling of Japanese art by younger artists who are recently receiving attention for their work. With a focus on elaborate attempts to create art, the exhibition features over 42 works by eleven artists; Atsushi Fukui, Satoshi Hirose, Maywa Denki, Tomoyasu Murata, Tetsuya Nakamura, Masafumi Sanai, Katsuhiro Saiki, Yoshihiro Suda, Tabaimo, Nobuyuki Takahashi, and Miyuki Yokomizo.
Passage to the Future will help people get an impression of what is happening in contemporary art in Japan and also provide a sense of pleasure and appreciation to those who come to see these wonderful works created by artists over three generations — for all generations.
The exhibition is focused upon the Japanese art emerging in the beginning of the 21st century. In the 1990s, there was a great shift in world economic and political outlook and many people responded to this change by turning away from large issues, concentrating on a smaller, more intimate part of life. In contemporary art too, artists began to pay more attention to the day-to-day, focusing on the expression of feelings and personal perception.
The works of Japanese artists displayed at the exhibition is a demonstration of similar responses toward the current world. The problems they highlighted stem from their surroundings, and their works reflect their personal realities. With a rich visual effect, showing a strong magnetism to the process of artefact creation, the exhibits allow viewers to experience the freshness and vitality of current Japanese art and at the same time provides an opportunity for renewed thinking and debate about the fundamental appeal and meaning of art. The Japanese exhibition would continue at National Art Gallery till April 10.
Credit: The News, Pakistan
