Posted:Oct 15, 2019

10 Things in Tokyo: September 2019

Events and exhibitions happening this month in Tokyo and beyond

From 'Now, It's Time to Play' at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo
From 'Now, It's Time to Play' at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo
Dear Oblivion at Spiral presents the textile works of Aiko Tezuka, who “deconstructs and reconstructs” fabrics to explore motifs of different cultures and time periods. Among her new exhibits is a piece based on a court dress worn by Empress Haruko, reputed to be the first empress to wear Western clothes officially. September 4 through September 18. You can also see Tezuka’s work at MA2 Gallery.

Maria Farrar is a Philippines-born, Japan-raised, England-based artist whose paintings of vibrant scenes from her life use bold colors combined with sweeping brushstrokes informed by calligraphy. Too Late to Turn Back Now at Ota Fine Arts includes new works showing further evolution in her style. Through September 21.

Nobuhiro Shimura has been tapped as the first creator in Chiba Prefectural Museum of Art’s “emerging artists” series. The video artist – a participant in this year’s Domani: The Art of Tomorrow – is making a name for himself with documentary-esque works exploring the past through personal narratives that blend fantasy and reality. One of his videos here envisions sheep chases across Narita and Basque Country. Ends September 23.

The World of Basho at Idemitsu Museum of Arts celebrates the 330th anniversary of the poet’s epic trek around northern Honshu, the inspiration for his haiku travelogue “Oku no Hosomichi” (Narrow Road to the Deep North), a pillar of Japanese literature. Enjoy calligraphy and paintings by Basho as well as works depicting him in all his rustic renown. Through September 29. ¥200 off with MuPon and TABapp.

Hagiso is an old wooden house in the Yanaka neighborhood converted into a hip café, art, and event space. From September 3 through October 14 it exhibits Skin, a show of delicate black and white photographs by artist and designer Goshi Uhira, who contemplates skin as a border of the body and a vessel of the self.

Her Own Way at Tokyo Photographic Art Museum spotlights female video artists in Poland from the 1970s through today. Through the works of Ewa Partum, Karol Radziszewski, and others, the show details how women have pioneered film and video culture even amid suppression and political upheaval. Until October 14.

Tokyo 2021, an ongoing art project questioning the hype over next year’s Tokyo Olympics, presents an exhibition of cutting-edge contemporary artists including Makoto Aida, Kyun-Chome, and HouxoQue. Held at the Toda Building in Kyobashi from September 14 through October 20, Un/real Engine – Engineering of Mourning considers Japanese art history as a part of the country’s cycles of celebration and calamity. Registration required. (Japanese only). Closed on Tuesdays.

Now, It’s Time to Play at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo features hands-on artworks for both children and adults with elements of imaginative fun and game participation. Ends October 20. 10% admission discount with MuPon and TABapp.

MOT Satellite returns. This time the art events in spaces around the Kiyosumi-Shirakawa area take on the the theme of “maps.” Literal and metaphorical cartography act as “clues in encountering unknown regions” and “mirrors that reflect one’s own perspectives.” Look for works by tapestry artist Mary Corey March, installation artist Takayuki Imaizumi, and pieces from the MOT Collection. Through October 20.

Take an excursion to Chiba to see The Power to Dream – Flights into the Future: The World of Russian Contemporary Art at Ichihara Lakeside Museum. Works of 20th century art explore the relationship between humans and the universe and the influence of the space program on Russian culture. Until October 27. ¥100 admission discount with MuPon and TABapp.

Jennifer Pastore

Jennifer Pastore

Jennifer Pastore is a writer, editor, and translator. She was editor of Tokyo Art Beat's web magazine from 2015 to 2022. Her thoughts on the Japanese art scene can be found in publications like artscape Japan.