Open Call | JAPAN CONTEMPORARIES SERIES 12

Organized by Motoichi Adachi and Kyoko Sato

November 6(Wed)-11(Mon), 2024 | 12-6pm
Reception: Saturday, November 9, 2024, 5– 7PM

Artists:
Bubble calligraphy artist Kurumi | Junko.Y | Valshia | YOSHIKO IWAI | Kiichi Takeuchi

This exhibition is the 12th in a series of exhibitions organized by Emmy Award-winning TV writer Motoichi Adachi and Kyoko Sato, a curator known for promoting Japanese culture in New York. The exhibition will democratically showcase a wide range of artists who wish to participate. In this series, we aim to introduce an intriguing selection of 4 Japanese artists who create compelling works, regardless of genre or background, into the cutting-edge global art scene. Moreover, in this 12th edition, we are providing opportunities based on the idea that ‘all humans are precious, and every artist’s work holds value.

Simultaneously, two venues will host the 10th and 11th in the series, Stepping Into A World IV (Gallery Max, 552 Broadway, New York, NY 10012, November 7–13), The Art of Sho (Tenri Cultural Institute, 43A W 13th St, New York, NY 10011, November 5–12). Additionally, there will be a presentation on the Times Square screen (100 Artists of the World, 3 Times Square, New York, NY 10036, November 6, 8–9 PM). A total of four venues and 62 Japanese artists will showcase their works, creating a whirlwind of Japanese art on New York’s art scene.

“I cut through the art world with the sensibility that has long been active in the world of Japanese television. We want to bring a new wind of free and unrestrained ideas to a world that values old traditions. Beautiful works are beautiful and interesting works are interesting, even if they are not from famous art universities or patronized by influential galleries. We want to let attractive artists run amok in the world. I would like to try an unconventional challenge this time.” 　　
— Motoichi Adachi

After World War II, many Japanese artists migrated to New York, dreaming of success in the world. Nearly 80 years have passed since the end of the war, and although conditions in the industry have changed, the trend nowadays remains the same. This exhibition will be held in the most luxurious neighborhood of south of Upper East Side of Manhattan, adjacent to midtown and department store Bloomingdales, and this is where the free energy of Japanese contemporary art will be released.
The New York art scene has also been arranged in a pecking order with value based on academic background and career. However, we believe all races are equal, all genders are equal and wonderful. Based on this, we would like to bravely apply this pioneering thinking to the value of artists and art through this exhibition.
— Kyoko Sato