Masterpieces by Warhol, Sugimoto, Gursky, Bacon, and More

The contemporary art market is currently experiencing a surge in excitement, with some works fetching billions at auction. This exhibition showcases the Yageo Foundation's extensive collection, which represents both these 'treasures' commanding high prices and the enduring, innovative 'treasures of art history' that contemporary art embodies. The exhibition, 'The Hardcore of Contemporary Art is Actually a World Treasure Exhibition,' offers a glimpse into this significant collection.



The Yageo Foundation, based in Taiwan, is supported by donations from Pierre Chen, CEO of the major passive component manufacturer Yageo Corporation, and his family. Its collection is distinguished by its breadth, encompassing Western modern and contemporary art alongside Chinese modern and contemporary works that have garnered significant attention in recent years. The foundation's collection has been ranked among the world's top 10 by prominent international art magazines for the past two years.

Andreas Gursky, "V&R," 2011, Yageo Foundation Collection, © Andreas Gursky/Courtesy Spruth Magers Berlin London/JASPAR, Tokyo, 2014 E0987

This exhibition brings a selection of the Yageo collection to Japan. On display are 76 works by 40 artists, many of which can be considered museum-class pieces. Highlights include Mark Quinn's "Miniature Venus" (2008), a sculptural interpretation of supermodel Kate Moss in a yoga pose, and a self-portrait created by Andy Warhol the year before his death.



Additionally, the exhibition features "The Last Supper," a photographic work by Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, depicting wax figures of Jesus Christ and his disciples, a piece also held by the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Among other notable works,photographer Andreas Gurskypresents a monumental five-meter-wide work capturing a fashion show by Viktor & Rolf, andFrancis Bacon's series of works are also on view. The exhibition promises a diverse range of artistic expressions, complemented by interactive elements such as a 'game' designed to let visitors experience the collector's perspective.

Hiroshi Sugimoto, "The Last Supper," 1999, Yageo Foundation Collection, © Hiroshi Sugimoto/Courtesy of Gallery Koyanagi

'The Hardcore of Contemporary Art is Actually a World Treasure Exhibition' introduces many works rarely seen in Japan. It offers not only an opportunity to view masterpieces but also a space to contemplate the very nature of 'value' in art.

Ron Mueck, "Youth," 2009, Yageo Foundation Collection, © Ron Mueck Photo: Alex Delfanne"

'The Hardcore of Contemporary Art is Actually a World Treasure Exhibition: From the Yageo Foundation Collection'

Dates: June 20 (Fri) - August 24 (Sun) *Closed on Mondays, except for July 21, which will be open, with July 22 closed.

Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 *Fridays until 20:00

Venue: The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

3-1 Kitanomaru Koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Tel. 03-5777-8600 (Hello Dial)

Admission: General 1200 yen, University students 500 yen

Touring Exhibition: Nagoya City Art Museum, September 6 (Sat) - October 26 (Sun), 2014

The Museum of Art, Hiroshima, December 20 (Sat), 2014 - March 8 (Sun), 2015

The National Museum of Art, Osaka, March 31 (Tue) - May 31 (Sun), 2015