Presentation of "Saikyo People" by Three Artists from Japan, China, and Korea

The TOKYO Festival of Photography, a celebration spanning 15 days, will feature exhibitions, screenings, live performances, and related events. Held annually since 2009, this year's festival, themed "True Colors," will showcase the myriad "colors" of our globalized contemporary society.


This exhibition, utilizing all galleries of the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, presents video works by artists from Japan and abroad. Taiwanese artist Chou Shin Arthur Liu exhibits a film documenting the journey to Mount Kailash in Tibet, a sacred pilgrimage site believed to be where the souls of the departed gather. Russian artist Sito Jelač presents "The Tower: Singspiel," a humorous musical depiction of the exploitative structures prevalent in contemporary Russia. Additionally, a video work by British painter David Hockney will be shown in Japan for the first time.


The screening program includes short films by contemporary artists from 11 countries and regions in East and Southeast Asia, as well as a special feature on globally acclaimed Asian film directors. Furthermore, "The Ward," the latest work by acclaimed Chinese director Wang Bing, will have its Japan premiere prior to its theatrical release in early summer 2014.

Saikyo People, "Installation for Off-site Exhibition" 2013

Tetsuya Mariko, "Asunaro Sanjo!" 2013 / 82 min ©Mad Magazine Records Tokuma Japan Communications

Furthermore, in the Center Plaza of Yebisu Garden Place, where the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum is located, the "Saikyo Film Festival" will be held, featuring the first Tokyo presentation by the artist unit "Saikyo People"—comprising Japan's Tsuyoshi Ozawa, China's Chen Xiaosong, and South Korea's Gim Hong-sok. Through installations and performances, they will "found" the fictional urban nation of "Saikyo Country," presenting a new model of nationhood that has garnered attention in international exhibitions in recent years.


"Colors" symbolically represent culture, tradition, natural environment, as well as ideology, thought, nationality, and race. Through visual expressions created by artists of different nationalities and cultures, we can experience the multifaceted aspects of the present day, woven together like a tapestry of vibrant threads.

David Hockney, "Jugglers, June 24, 2012" 2012 ©David Hockney

The 6th TOKYO Festival of Photography: True Colors

Dates: Friday, February 7th – Sunday, February 23rd (Closed February 10th and 17th)

Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last day, February 23rd, until 6:00 PM)

Admission: Free (Some screenings and events require advance booking and may be subject to a fee)

Venue: Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Yebisu Garden Place Center Plaza, and other locations

1-13-3 Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Yebisu Garden Place

Tel. 03-3280-0099