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May 27, 2015
ART | Win Tickets to the "Makoto Aida: I'm Sorry, I'm a Genius" Exhibition! (5 pairs, 10 winners)
ART | Win Tickets to "Makoto Aida: Genius of My Time"
Exploring the World of Makoto Aida, the Born Artist
"Makoto Aida: Genius of My Time"
From November 17, 2012 (Saturday) to March 31, 2013 (Sunday), the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo will host "Makoto Aida: Genius of My Time," a major exhibition by the eccentric genius of the contemporary art world. This exhibition marks Makoto Aida's first large-scale solo show worldwide, delving into his entire oeuvre through approximately 100 works, from his early masterpieces to his latest creations.
Text by MATSUDA Natsuki (OPENERS)
Works That Transcend Boundaries and Appeal to the Senses
Since his debut in the early 1990s, Makoto Aida has been a pioneering Japanese contemporary artist, consistently producing works that explore diverse themes such as high school girls, eroticism, and social issues, unbound by genre. His art is protean and conceptual, often challenging societal norms with its provocative and striking creations that overturn conventional wisdom. Beyond his superb technique and imagination, his works leave an indelible impact on viewers.
Makoto Aida, "New York Air Raid" (War Picture Returns) (1996), six-panel screen/The Nikkei, CG printed on holographic paper, black and white copy, charcoal pen, watercolor, acrylic, oil marker, correction fluid, pencil, fusuma, hinges, etc., 169 x 378 cm. Zero fighter CG production: Mutsuo Matsuhashi. Collection: Takahashi Collection, Tokyo. Courtesy: Mizuma Art Gallery
This is the first opportunity to see a comprehensive overview of Makoto Aida's work, from his early pieces to his latest creations, and his first solo exhibition at a museum, showcasing his art that continues to possess a strong pull within the genre of fine art. With unique, edgy ideas influenced by otaku culture and pop culture, which have impacted Japanese contemporary art, his worldview is a complex interweaving of art, society, eroticism, and the grotesque. The title includes the word "genius" in the sense that he lacks a fixed style or high technique. The exhibition covers early masterpieces like "Rice Paddy" (1991), the impressive "War Picture Returns" series (1995–) that reconsiders war paintings, "Harakiri High School Girls" (1999–), and major works from the 2000s such as "Juicer Mixer" (2001) and "Gray Mountain" (2009–11). It also features three works not previously exhibited in Japan, including the colossal "Heart," a red lantern measuring over 3 meters in diameter and 5 meters in height, which was part of an international exhibition in Taiwan; seven new works, including the second installment of his contemporary ink wash paintings, "Telegraph Pole, Crow, and Others," and pieces inspired by the discussions following the 2011 nuclear accident.
Makoto Aida, "Rice Paddy" (1991), rock pigment, acrylic, Japanese paper, panel, 73 x 52 cm. Collection: Toyota Municipal Museum of Art, Aichi. Courtesy: Mizuma Art Gallery
Makoto Aida, "Juicer Mixer" (2001), acrylic, canvas, 290 x 210.5 cm. Collection: Takahashi Collection, Tokyo. Courtesy: Mizuma Art Gallery
The "Forbidden Room" also displays works with strong sexual and violent content, such as "Giant Fuji Soldier VS King Ghidorah" (1993), which reportedly led to him being labeled an erotic-grotesque artist, and the "Dog (Snow Moon Flower)" series (1989–), depicting a girl with severed limbs. While the content is perverse and may make one want to look away, once seen, it is unforgettable and captivating.
Art: A Service Industry That Stimulates the Pleasure of Viewing
In conjunction with the Makoto Aida exhibition, the documentary film "I Only Exist in My Bad Work" will be released on November 10 (Saturday). The film closely follows the artist's creative process from July 2009 to May 2010, across San Francisco, Beijing, and various locations in Japan, candidly and comprehensively capturing his struggles in completing his solo exhibition and the reality and true feelings of a "born artist." Directed by Shogo Watanabe, who has long focused on documentaries, the film strips away all conventional wisdom and constraints to depict the core of Makoto Aida's "eros and poison." The year-long filming intensely captures the inner world of the artist under pressure, while also revealing new facets of the humorous "genius." Coupled with narration by his wife, contemporary artist Yuko Okada, the film delves into the essential charm of Makoto Aida as a human being. His works are never considered complete until the artist is satisfied, and only he can see that goal. The film quietly portrays the state of mind of a contemporary artist who grapples with his inner self while creating with an air of nonchalance.
Why not take this opportunity to view the exhibition and the documentary film, which provoke, captivate, make viewers think, and endlessly fascinate, and immerse yourself in the world of Makoto Aida?
"Makoto Aida: Genius of My Time"
Dates | November 17 (Saturday) - March 31, 2013 (Sunday) *Open daily during the exhibition period
Hours | 10:00–22:00, Tuesdays 10:00–17:00 *January 1 (Tuesday/Holiday) 10:00–22:00 *Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Admission | Adults ¥1500, Students (High School/University) ¥1000, Children (Ages 4 to Junior High) ¥500
Venue | Mori Art Museum
6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 53F
Tel. 03-5777-8600 (Hello Dial)
"I Only Exist in My Bad Work"
Opening November 10 (Saturday) at Eurospace and other theaters nationwide
Director | Shogo Watanabe
Production Cooperation | Sueo Mizuma (Mizuma Art Gallery)
Planning & Production | The Factory
Distribution & Promotion | Brownie
2011 / Japan / 99 min
http://aida-artmovie.com
© The Factory
*Click here for information on mutual discounts between the film and the art exhibition
http://aida-artmovie.com/pr.html
Win Tickets to the Exhibition! (5 pairs, 10 winners)
*Valid only at Eurospace
To enter, please apply via the form below.
Application Period: October 19 (Friday) - October 29 (Monday) Deadline: 10:00 AM
Applications are now closed.
Thank you for your many applications.
*Winners will be notified by email.
Winners, please reply to the notification email with the subject line unchanged and all necessary information.
Please note that failure to reply by the deadline will result in disqualification.