Art Incubation Series 26

Artists:

Koki | Miki Kawazu | Ryosuke Matsumoto | Motohiko Ishino | Yuko Shirai | Chunbum Park | Mensur Bojda | TLaloC (AKA Eduardo Corral)

This exhibition is the 26th installment of a series co-organized by Emmy Award–winning TV writer Motoichi Adachi and New York–based curator Kyoko Sato, known for her work introducing Japanese culture. It presents a democratic platform that widely showcases artists who wish to participate. In this series, five Japanese artists—selected for producing compelling work regardless of genre or career background—are brought into one of the world’s most cutting-edge art scenes. Moreover, this 26th edition offers opportunities grounded in the belief that all people are precious and every artist’s work holds value.

This summer, the series will also present Stepping Into A World VII (Series 24, July 23–29, Gallery Max New York) and Art of Sho IV (Series 25, July 21–27, Tenri Cultural Institute). In addition, a special presentation will take place on the screen in Times Square (Series 27, 100 Artists of the World VI, July 22, 8:30–9 PM, at 2 Times Square, New York, NY 10036). Across these four programs, the works of 47 Japanese artists (+ international artists based in New York) will be showcased, creating a powerful wave of Japanese art throughout New York’s art scene.

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"I cut through the art world with the sensibility that has long been active in the world of Japanese television. We want to bring a new wind of free and unrestrained ideas to a world that values old traditions. Beautiful works are beautiful and interesting works are interesting, even if they are not from famous art universities or patronized by influential galleries. We want to let attractive artists run amok in the world. I would like to try an unconventional challenge this time.”

— Motoichi Adachi

After World War II, many Japanese artists migrated to New York, dreaming of success in the world. 80 years have passed since the end of the war, and although conditions in the industry have changed, the trend nowadays remains the same. This exhibition will be held in the most luxurious neighborhood of south of Upper East Side of Manhattan, adjacent to midtown and department store Bloomingdales, and this is where the free energy of Japanese contemporary art will be released.

The New York art scene has also been arranged in a pecking order with value based on academic background and career. However, we believe all races are equal, all genders are equal and wonderful. Based on this, we would like to bravely apply this pioneering thinking to the value of artists and art through this exhibition.

— Kyoko Sato