Nate Lowman. Maxima. 2005-2013. Oil and silkscreen ink on canvas. 75 × 82 × 3.8 cm. Courtesy of the artist.

NL-PT-13-68 HR (1)

Founded in 2010 by creative agency en one tokyo and currently under the direction of co-founder Satoru Arai, Gallery Common emerged from the street culture of Harajuku as an intimate space for both Japanese and international artists and trendsetters to interact with the local scene.

Known for it’s eccentric youth culture and status as a boundary-breaking fashion hub, Harajuku has long been recognized as a leading force in the global creative scene, serving as inspiration for top tier artists, musicians, and brands worldwide.

Sensing the importance of establishing a physical art-centered space in the neighborhood, en one tokyo opened Gallery Common, one of the first galleries in central Harajuku, with the aim of fostering this energy. Approaching art from the unique and non-traditional background of creative agency, the gallery was established with the aim of bridging the paradoxical yet symbiotic gap between fashion and art, street and commercial, subculture and mainstream.

Since then, the gallery has expanded its vision to work with both renowned and upcoming contemporary artists across diverse countries and disciplines while participating in art fairs and collaborative projects throughout Japan. While remaining committed to it’s original vision of protecting and fostering Harajuku culture, Gallery Common aims to break down the outdated barriers between genre and industry, artist and audience, domestic and overseas— to find the “common” thread that connects us all.

[Image: Photo by Yosuke Torii Courtesy of Gallery COMMON]

Nate Lowman "This Neighborhood's Changed"