ART | The exhibition

ART | Savor the Genius's Sensibility in Works That Elevate a Unique Worldview

Exhibition 'The World of Tim Burton' Held at Roppongi Hills

Director Tim Burton is known for his uniquely charming and peculiar worlds. Now, an exhibition titled 'The World of Tim Burton,' offering a glimpse into his artistry, has arrived in Japan. It runs until January 4, 2015, at the Mori Arts Center Gallery within Roppongi Hills.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

Rare Works from Drawings to Photographs: 500 Pieces on Display

Tim Burton was born in California in 1958. At 18, he received a scholarship to the California Institute of the Arts, founded by Disney. After graduating, he worked as an animator at Disney Studios before debuting as a director in 1982. He has since created original works such as 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' (2005), 'Alice in Wonderland' (2010), and 'Edward Scissorhands' (1990).

While captivating audiences with his distinctive, unique visuals and artistic flair, Burton has also thrived as an artist. In 2009, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York hosted an exhibition showcasing his previously unseen works, from childhood sketches and drawings to photographs and character models created for his films. The exhibition attracted 810,000 visitors, becoming the third highest-attended exhibition in MoMA's history and creating a major sensation.

Following exhibitions in Prague, the current 'The World of Tim Burton' in Japan features approximately 500 works, including pieces from the MoMA and Prague exhibitions, plus an additional 150 new pieces. The exhibition's presentation has also evolved, with works organized into thematic sections based on motifs and projects, allowing for a deeper exploration of Burton's art.

Tim Burton is known to draw constantly, anywhere and anytime—sometimes on hotel notepads or bar napkins. This exhibition showcases a diverse range of his art, including drawings that capture that spontaneous sensibility, large-format Polaroids he shot himself, rare books gifted only to cast and crew of projects that were never realized, and more.

These ever-changing, whimsical, and pop-infused works invite viewers into the mind and sensibility of Tim Burton. It's an experience best savored at the venue.

Scenes from the opening ceremony

Exhibition view

'The World of Tim Burton'
Dates | November 1 (Sat) – January 4, 2015 (Sun)
Hours | 11:00–22:00
Venue | Mori Arts Center Gallery
52F Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
0570-063-050 (Lawson Ticket)
Admission | General ¥1800, High School/University Students ¥1300, Children (4 yrs–Junior High) ¥800

This exhibition is organized by Jenny He, Independent Curator, in collaboration with Tim Burton Productions