Venue of the 3rd Tokyo Gendai

The international art fair “3rd Tokyo Gendai,” which brings together contemporary art professionals from Japan and abroad, will be held from September 12th to 14th at Pacifico Yokohama (1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama) in Exhibition Halls C and D.

The event will feature a wide range of art from young emerging artists to globally renowned names. In addition to exhibiting and selling works such as paintings, sculptures, and installations (art that allows the entire space to be experienced as a work), programs like live drawing and talk sessions are also planned.

The exhibition area, featuring 66 galleries, is divided into three sections: “Galleries,” “Hana ‘Flower’,” and “Eda ‘Branch’.” “Galleries” showcases curated works by multiple artists representing each gallery. “Hana ‘Flower'” displays works by one or two emerging to mid-career artists. “Eda ‘Branch'” focuses on solo and group exhibitions by renowned and historically significant artists from the Asian region.

This year, the “Hana Artist Award” has been newly established to recognize outstanding artists participating in the “Hana ‘Flower'” section. The award aims to foster emerging artists and includes a prize of $10,000 USD (approximately 1.5 million yen), with a special recognition ceremony during the event. The winning artist will be announced at the awards ceremony on the 11th.

In the “Sato ‘Meadow'” corner, which showcases large-scale installations, 11 galleries—about double the number from the previous event—will present installations and performances. “The Steel Bar and the Pictorial Memory of the Gesture” by French conceptual artist Bernar Venet is a performance piece that uses paint-covered steel bars to create graphic works. The two-person exhibition “Dear Friend – KOSAKU KANECHIKA,” featuring ceramic works by Takuro Kuwata and Dan McCarthy, highlights their respective approaches to the medium of ceramics.

The “Tsubomi ‘Flower Bud'” corner focuses on female artists using traditional Japanese craft techniques, displaying works such as ceramic pieces by Naka Namika and glass art by Ritsue Mishima, representing artists at different career stages.

A vernissage (opening party) will be held on the 11th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

While the event was previously held in July, it has been moved to September to align with the autumn art season. The organizers stated that holding the event in September, a key time for cultural activities across Japan and the start of the art season, will strengthen its role in the domestic art ecosystem.

In conjunction with the event, Yokohama City will also host “Yokohama Art Voyage,” an art program taking place at creative hubs throughout the city, the Yokohama Museum of Art, Yokohama City Hall, and other locations during the event period.

Hours are from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (until 5:00 PM on the final day). Admission is ¥4,500 for general admission on the day and ¥3,850 for advance tickets. Discounts are available for students and persons with disabilities. Separate fees apply for the vernissage.

Tokyo Gendai

Tokyo Gendai is a major international art fair launched in 2023, established to strengthen Japan’s presence in the global contemporary art market. It is held annually at the Pacifico Yokohama convention center, bringing together leading galleries from around the world to showcase modern and contemporary art.

Pacifico Yokohama

Pacifico Yokohama is a major convention and exhibition center in Japan, opened in 1991 as part of the Minato Mirai 21 urban development project. It is renowned for its iconic architecture, including a massive sail-shaped roof, and hosts numerous international conferences, trade shows, and cultural events.

Hana ‘Flower’

Hana is a lush, remote district located on the eastern coast of Maui, Hawaii, famously known for its scenic “Road to Hana” highway. Historically, it was a thriving center for native Hawaiian culture and agriculture, with its name translating to “work” or “bay” in Hawaiian, though it is often poetically associated with flowers due to its tropical beauty. The area is celebrated for its dramatic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and deep cultural significance to the Native Hawaiian people.

Eda ‘Branch’

I am unable to identify a specific place or cultural site named “Eda ‘Branch'”. This name does not correspond to any widely recognized historical or cultural landmark. To provide an accurate summary, could you please provide more context or clarify the name?

Hana Artist Award

The Hana Artist Award is a prestigious Japanese cultural prize established in 2018 by the Hana Group to honor outstanding achievements in the arts. It recognizes artists who have made significant contributions to Japanese culture and aims to support their future creative endeavors.

Sato ‘Meadow’

Sato Meadow is a traditional Japanese rural landscape, often characterized by managed grasslands that have been maintained through centuries of human activity like periodic burning or grazing. These semi-natural meadows are an important part of Japan’s satoyama (里山) ecosystem, where sustainable practices have created a unique habitat supporting high biodiversity. While not a single specific site, this cultural landscape represents a historical way of life that harmonized agriculture with nature.

Tsubomi ‘Flower Bud’

“Tsubomi ‘Flower Bud'” is a modern Japanese cultural site, often a café or gallery, that draws its name and philosophy from the concept of a budding flower representing potential and new beginnings. These establishments are typically designed as serene, minimalist spaces that promote mindfulness and an appreciation for transient beauty, reflecting core principles of Japanese aesthetics. Their history is rooted in contemporary trends that blend traditional *wabi-sabi* (the acceptance of imperfection) with modern wellness culture.

Yokohama Museum of Art

The Yokohama Museum of Art opened in 1989 to commemorate the city’s centennial anniversary as a municipality and the 100th anniversary of the opening of its port. It houses a significant collection of modern and contemporary art, with a particular focus on artists connected to the city and works from the 20th century onwards. The museum is also renowned for its striking architectural design by Kenzo Tange.