TOKYO.- After its trailblazing debut in 2005,
Art Fair Tokyo has procured its position as Japans most anticipated art fair and soared to the vanguard of the Asian art world with its devotion to diverse and unique works of art. In 2009, Art Fair Tokyo returns to the Tokyo International Forum with 143 galleries, both domestic and international, for the fourth consecutive edition and reaches out to the world from the international city of Tokyo, presenting exquisite works of art without limitation of period or genre. The fair showcases the works of some 3000 artworks by approximately 650 artists.
Art Fair Tokyo has firmly established itself as the most substantial art fair in Asia with its reputation for exhibiting a wide variety of high-quality art and genres it covers, including contemporary art, modern art, nihonga, ukiyoe (Traditional Japanese art form), in addition to other Asian works of art and antiques.
This year, the exhibition venue is being held at its regularly accessible location, the Tokyo International Forum (@FORUM) in Marunouchi area. A second additional venue is also being held at a new site, the Tokyo Bldg. Tokia. Galleria. (@TOKIA) which is conveniently situated directly across from the first venue. This space serves as a special feature of Art Fair Tokyo2009. The fair will be open for three days including the weekend of April 3 to 5, 2009. Taking into consideration the increased number of participating exhibitors, and the expansion of space, organizers expect to attract more visitors than in the past for Art Fair Tokyo2009.
The Attractions of Art Fair Tokyo2009
143 Galleries will Participate
A total 143 galleries are taking part in Art Fair Tokyo2009. This is the largest number of exhibitors participating since the inception of Art Fair Tokyo, with 35 more galleries than the last edition. Notably, the number of contemporary art galleries has remarkably increased. The number accounted for 47% of the whole, and there are total 68 galleries. In addition, there are 49 galleries participating from nihonga, modern art, and 26 galleries from antiques, each of which have increased 9 galleries this year. Both young and experienced galleries are taking part in order to explore new clients and opportunities in a global market.
Expansion of Space, Second Venue @TOKIA
This year, organizers have added a second venue called Tokyo Bldg. Tokia. Galleria. (@TOKIA) conveniently located next to the Tokyo International Forum; this space introduces 29 fresh contemporary art galleries all of which have been established within the past five years. As of recent, the number of contemporary art fans of younger generations has increased, moreover, numerous contemporary art galleries have opened up within the past few years. There are many artists who have become popular at the international art fairs while Japanese contemporary art has grown in status across the globe. Art Fair Tokyo presents a world of cutting-edge art by coetaneous artists who herald the next generation of the art scene.
Largest Number of Exhibitors Participate From Overseas
Art Fair Tokyo2009 presents works from 16 international galleries originating from 13 countries and cities from around the world. From Tokyo, one is be able to explore art from Asia, Europe, and North America. From experienced galleries to newly formed establishments, each gallery brings exclusive artworks from each country, and the varieties of line-ups are on display. Furthermore, four galleries from Scandinavia are making their debut at the Art Fair Tokyo2009.