Posted:Nov 2, 2008

Gallery Building Opens in Shirokane

Relocating from their ex-warehouse spaces in Kagurazaka to a renovated apartment building in this high-class residential area of Tokyo, the Kodama Gallery, Yamamoto Gendai and Takahashi Collection have now put Shirokane on the art map.

As is often the case in Tokyo, these galleries are hidden away in a nondescript building in a residential area. Only the crowds gathered for the opening gave away the location to first time visitors.
As is often the case in Tokyo, these galleries are hidden away in a nondescript building in a residential area. Only the crowds gathered for the opening gave away the location to first time visitors.
Photo: AR

The first floor is taken up by Kodama Gallery, which now has three or four times the amount of exhibition space it had before.
The first floor is taken up by Kodama Gallery, which now has three or four times the amount of exhibition space it had before.
Photo: AR

The inaugural exhibition was a solo show of work by Zon Ito...
The inaugural exhibition was a solo show of work by Zon Ito...
Photo: AR
... a young artist who works with thread on canvas, as well as video and installation.
... a young artist who works with thread on canvas, as well as video and installation.
Photo: AR

The second floor belongs to Takahashi Collection, which has kept its space in Kagurazaka but opened up a second one here in Shirokane. They have celebrated with a dazzling solo exhibition of Tomoko Konoike.
The second floor belongs to Takahashi Collection, which has kept its space in Kagurazaka but opened up a second one here in Shirokane. They have celebrated with a dazzling solo exhibition of Tomoko Konoike.
Photo: AR

Tomoko Konoike poses for a photo of her inside her installation.
Tomoko Konoike poses for a photo of her inside her installation.
Photo: AR
A close-up on her trademark six-legged wolves, exhaling daggers.
A close-up on her trademark six-legged wolves, exhaling daggers.
Photo: AR

According to the gallery's website, the Kagurazaka space will display works from Dr Takahashi's collection, while the Shirokane space will be used for curated exhibitions.
According to the gallery's website, the Kagurazaka space will display works from Dr Takahashi's collection, while the Shirokane space will be used for curated exhibitions.
Photo: AR

The third floor is occupied Yamamoto Gendai, which has also significantly enlarged its exhibition space with this move.
The third floor is occupied Yamamoto Gendai, which has also significantly enlarged its exhibition space with this move.
Photo: AR

Their inaugural exhibition is a group show titled 'Dream of the Skull'.
Their inaugural exhibition is a group show titled 'Dream of the Skull'.
Photo: AR

Shoko Matsumiya (right) talking to a guest about her work.
Shoko Matsumiya (right) talking to a guest about her work.
Photo: AR
With a small alcove around the corner, the new Yamamoto Gendai now has an intimate side space in which to show delicate works like these.
With a small alcove around the corner, the new Yamamoto Gendai now has an intimate side space in which to show delicate works like these.
Photo: AR

Ashley Rawlings

Ashley Rawlings

Ashley Rawlings was the editor of TABlog from 2006 to 2008. More information about his work can be found at www.ashleyrawlings.com.