ART | Roppongi Art Night 2014: A One-Night Art Feast
ART | "Move, Body!" is this year's theme
The one-night art feast "Roppongi Art Night 2014" opens April 19
Roppongi transforms into a city of art for a single night with the "Roppongi Art Night" event, returning this year. It will be held from Saturday, April 19th to Sunday, April 20th.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Miya Nishio's "Project One Body" turns approximately 2,800 pieces of used clothing into art
The familiar streets of Roppongi are transformed into an artistic space for "Roppongi Art Night." Now in its fifth year, this year's theme is "Move, Body!" This focus on "the physicality of art," a key concern for Katsuhiko Hibino, who returns as artistic director, is a central element of the event.
The defining characteristic of Roppongi Art Night is its core timing from sunset to sunrise, making it a truly all-night event befitting the "city that never sleeps," Roppongi. On Saturday, April 19th, the Roppongi Parade "Flowing, Drifting, Connecting" begins at 6:15 PM as the core time commences. Supervised by dancer and choreographer Kim Ito, participants—local residents and the public who have practiced diligently—will parade through the streets of Roppongi in a dance performance.
Image of the Roppongi Parade "Flowing, Drifting, Connecting"
A highlight of the exhibitions is Miya Nishio's "Project One Body," where the artist presents a work created from approximately 2,800 pieces of used clothing collected around Roppongi. At the Roppongi Hills Arena, a giant skirt titled "Human House [House]", pieced together from colorful used clothing by workshop participants, will be on display. Additionally, installations such as Taro Shinoda's "Lunar Reflection Communication Technology" and Yu Sato's "Rolling Roppongi" will be featured. Works will also be presented at Tokyo Midtown and The National Art Center, Tokyo.
With the FIFA World Cup just around the corner, events combining soccer and art, such as the "Match Flag Project" and "Hibino Cup in Roppongi," are also planned, reflecting Hibino's passion for soccer and his role as a Japan Football Association board member. Furthermore, participatory programs that were well-received last year, including "The 2nd Roppongi Yoraku-kai"—a forum for exchanging ideas among various artists and leading professionals from different fields—will also return.
On the day of Art Night, participating museums and galleries will offer special programs, extended hours, and discounted admission for their current exhibitions. A wide range of art, from emerging to established artists, including both Japanese and internationally invited artists, will be displayed in streets and parks throughout the city, offering a treasure-hunt-like experience.
Roppongi Art Night 2014
Dates | April 19 (Sat) 10:00 AM – April 20 (Sun) 6:00 PM
Core Time | April 19 (Sat) 6:17 PM (Sunset) – April 20 (Sun) 5:03 AM (Sunrise)
Location | Roppongi Hills, Mori Art Museum, Tokyo Midtown, Suntory Museum of Art, 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, The National Art Center, Tokyo, Roppongi Shopping Street, and other cooperating facilities and public spaces in the Roppongi area
Admission | Free (Some programs and special exhibitions at museums are charged)
Roppongi Art Night Executive Committee
Tel. 03-5777-8600 (Hello Dial)