INDEX
Is the Museum Really the “Graveyard of Art”?
Throughout the exhibition, numerous performances were held in the galleries, and exhibition tours led by Arakawa Nashii himself took place almost every day. The exhibition could be seen as a container for these events, but performance art, by nature, cannot be fully captured in an exhibition. So, when no performances are taking place, what exactly is this exhibition? As I pondered this, a sudden thought crossed my mind: perhaps this is not a “performance art exhibition,” but rather “performance art in which Arakawa Nashii holds an exhibition at the National Art Center.”
If that’s the case, I believe the aim of this performance art is to throw a stone into the quiet relationship between us and the museum. Typically, when it comes to exhibitions at large national museums, there’s an unspoken expectation of a certain level of formality. The sense of grandeur might feel intimidating to some. Yet, this exhibition immediately disrupts that norm—starting with the invitation to “freely draw on the floor,” and even allowing visitors to sit on bean bags on the floor. The National Art Center, Tokyo has embraced this, and the exhibition is free and open to everyone. At the preview, I was surprised to see so many young children—honestly, it was the first time I’d witnessed such a scene in a museum, and it left a lasting impression.
Ei Arakawa-Nash’s “Paintings Are Pop Stars” is not your typical art show; it’s more like half exhibition, half festival, and it’s best experienced by just wandering in. You’ll surely find a piece that speaks to you, and it might change every time you visit. This exhibition is likely a significant challenge for the National Art Center, Tokyo—an opportunity to witness the museum being involved in something “strange,” a rare moment. It’s probably best to be part of it now while you can.
Ei Arakawa-Nash: Paintings Are Popstars
Exhibition Dates: October 30, 2024 (Wednesday) – December 16, 2024 (Monday)
Closed: Every Tuesday
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
*Open until 8:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays
*Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo, Special Exhibition Room 2E
7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8558
Organized by: The National Art Center, Tokyo
In cooperation with: Taka Ishii Gallery, Nakagawa Chemical Co., Ltd.
Admission: Free
Contact: 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)
Official Website: https://www.nact.jp/exhibition_special/2024/eiarakawanash/
