This exhibition features 70 masterworks of 20th century Japanese art, divided into 3 sections: "Drawing", "Pasting", and "Taking". Most of these works are rarely displayed. In addition, all 34 works from pioneering Surrealist Max Ernst's "Natural History Magazine" collection will be on display as a special exhibition.

Fashion Show Concept: "We have learned about spatial representation in a wide range of fields such as art, lighting, production, and fashion. Now our focus is on fashion. The contemporary world is filled with materials among which its denizens seem to feel no dissatisfaction. In fact, such a condition might be the very reason for our generation to feel dissatisfied and bored with our everyday lives. When we capture such a mode of our times and replace it with fashion, we realize that fashion should be something enjoyable rather than something hard to interpret. We chose the form of 'fashion show' this time so we can express in one event two separate themes: an appropriate stance of fashion in this age and the spatial representation to bring it out to audience." Schedule July 5th (Sat) 1st session: open 16:30, Start 17:00 July 6th (Sun) 2nd session: open 13:30, Start 14:00 3rd session: open 17:30, Start 18:00 Location: The Artcomplex Center of Tokyo B1 Artcomplex Hall Gallery

Exhibition and sale mostly of well-designed, out-of-print photography books from the 60s up until the present, featuring fashion and nudes.

-Opening Tea Party & Artist Talk Date & Time: June 15th (Sun) 15:00 Free entry Celebrating the opening of the exhibition, we will invite Yamaguchi's senior associate Akiko Kanegae and have a talk show, sharing intriguing stories related to the artist's work as well as her production process. After the talk, there will be a tea party.

3 person exhibition showcasing prints and oil paintings.

Reversing the positive/negative relationship between mold and object, Chris Kirby introduces a new line of porcelain ware that captures the unexpected shape of negative spaces. The artist will be at the cafe on July 4th (Fri) from 19:30 to 21:00 to meet visitors.

Chairs we sit on every day at work and at home. Chairs are wrappings for the human body, a functional tool, and perhaps the piece of furniture with the most "human" components to it. Since the booming period of high economic growth in the 1960s, living habits in Japan have gradually come to embrace and accept Western styles of living, including the widespread use of chairs. With the influence of Western and European culture, the act of sitting has come to move away from the tatami mat and towards the use of chairs. This period saw the use and development of processed, industrial materials come to replace natural ones, leading to a rise in the production of chairs that could be made cheaply and easily. Chairs thereafter became a sort of consumer product that was produced in large quantities. Certain Japanese designers and artisans who produced those chairs took into consideration particular Japanese lifestyle habits, climate, environment, and the special tactile and textural qualities of wood as a material. This open-call exhibition held once every two years showcases the natural warmth, functionality, design qualities and ideal "seating" qualities. The 6th edition of the exhibition saw over 624 submissions, out of which about 100 winning and selected entries will be put on display.

This is the 3rd exhibition at Ayumi Gallery by a group of architects from Shizuoka. Gathering around Tanabata season (the Star Festival), these architects introduce photos they took in the past year as well as works on the theme of "wooden house".

Resist is a photographic workshop whose main lecturer is Masayuki Yoshinaga. Daido Moriyama is an occasional adjunct lecturer. Started in 2006, Resist aims not to polish photographic technique, but rather pursues more conceptual objectives in the name of expression and "live" photo-taking. It hopes to discover new talent, unbound by existing values or market conditions, promoting a sort of expressive stamina to continually make exciting work. Over the course of the half-year workshop, students are put through a rigorous program, and the fruits of that process are displayed in this exhibition. Opening party: June 27th (Fri) 19:00-21:00 (free)

- Taki Nakazato Ceramics Exhibition Born in Karatsu in 1965, Nakazato began studying ceramics from his father Takashi Nakazato in 1988. Around 80 works of Karatsu-nanban and Karatsu-mishima ceramics are on display. -Hideo Saito Oil Painting Exhibition

3D video installation using a video projector by video artist Makoto Sugawara. The walls of the venue, like moving objects, will have their appearances changed by the work, hinting at the still-primitive relationship between humans and technology.

"Here’s why patterns" features artists: Josh Blackwell (born in 1972, USA, lives and works in New York) utilizes the visual vocabulary (and occasionally the material itself) of fashion to further explore abstraction within art context. Fergus Feehily’s (born in 1968, Ireland, lives and works in Dublin and Stuttgart) self-reflexive paintings, drawings and objects gently assert the place of art/abstraction in examining themes like the grand and modest. Ruth Laskey’s (born in 1975, USA, lives and works in San Francisco) weaving and watercolor studies re-assert the value/place of art/abstraction in the everyday context. Rooted in the day-to-day experience of life in Tokyo, Shimon Minamikawa’s (born in 1972, Japan, lives and works in Tokyo) works illustrate the relevance of art to contemporary culture. [Image: Josh Blackwell "Verlyn (XXL)" (2007) Paper, gouache, pins 59.5 x 53 inches 151 x 134.5 cm]

From the collection of Okabe Print Center, this exhibition showcases representative works by Tadanori Yokoo. These works will be available for sale also.

The artist will be at the venue on July 1st, 2nd, 8th, 10th and 13th.

Yoshikazu Hisatomi creates his work on the theme of "people who don't loose their hopes even under difficult circumstances". "Once you take a glance at newspapers, it becomes apparent how dark our times are," says the artist, "I want my work to make viewers feel something new starting from that point. My biggest motivation for creation has been always the desire to 'change something'. I want to change myself. I want to change people who I'm involved with. I want to change these dark times." Being driven by such thoughts, Hisatomi continues to pursue his creative path in the corner of Tokyo.

Girls hitting each other, skateboarding teenagers. Enami Nara won the gold award at Takashi Murakami's "Geisai #10" exhibition held in September 2006, gaining much attention for her images that were initially featured in magazines, on TV, and the Internet. Her work cycles between subject and object, filled with a sense of dynamism and premised on strange sense of reality in which features someone who we have neither met nor spoken to in a "one-scene" that gradually comes into view for our senses. This exhibition is Nara's first solo show since the Geisai award. In addition to new paintings, acrylic on canvas, prints and drawings focusing on her representative "Fight" series will be on display.

*This exhibition is taking place at , a bar in Golden Gai.

Opening Friday June 13, 2008, Wako Works of Art is very pleased to present a new exhibition of Danish London-based artist duo Nina Beier and Marie Lund, curated by Mami Kataoka of Mori Art Museum, Tokyo and The Hayward Gallery, London. This will be the artists' first show in Japan, and the second time the gallery will be working with a museum curator to organize an exhibition with up-and-coming artists based outside of Japan. Educated at London's Royal College of Art, Nina Beier and Marie Lund have been working together since 2003. Their work derives from a shared fascination with group dynamics and the relations between people, be they awkward, fervent, polite or tender. Through creating situations with a simple set of instructions, the artists play with social customs and allow instinctive human reactions to be observed in their plainest form. The artists have held regular solo shows at M+R Gallery in London and in V1 Gallery in Copenhagen, and have made larger solo shows at art spaces such as Spacex Gallery in Exeter, Aarhus Center for Contemporary Art and Overgaden - Institute of Contemporary Art in Denmark. Recent group shows include "From a Distance" at Wallspace, New York, "This is a gettogether" at Skuc Gallery, Ljubljana, "Abstract Things" at Laura Bartlett Gallery, London and "Collectivity" at YBCA, San Francisco. New works by Beier and Lund made during and after their residency in Japan at Tokyo Wonder Site - Institute of Contemporary Art and International Cultural Exchange from February 1 to March 31, 2008 will be on display in the two rooms at Wako Works of Art. The artists are currently working on a series of new works, which deal with the writing of collective history with a focus on the dynamics between the shared and the individual identity, and examine how history is assembled in memory, recording, restaging and retelling. On exhibit will be: "The Archives (World Peace)", a series of framed second-hand peace posters folded over themselves inside the frames; "History Makes a Young Man Old", a crystal ball carrying the markings of having been rolled to its final destination (the gallery space), and a number of other new works of video and installation. Reception for the Artists: June 13th (Fri) 18:00-20:00

This exhibition presents 50 works by 50 representative contemporary nihonga painters, divided into two halves. Artists range from Yuki Ogura, who until his death in 2000 created a prodigious volume of work that left behind a deep imprint on the history and development of nihonga, to Toshio Tabuchi and Chinami Nakajima. The exhibition offers a wide survey to prominent nihonga associations like the Inten (Tamako Kataoka, Eien Iwahashi, Chuichi Konno), NItten (Kaii Higashiyama, Gensou Okuda, Tatsuo Takayama) and Sogaten (Shoko Uemura, Kazuho Hieda, Matazo Kayama), as well as independent practitioners with no institutional affiliation (Junsaku Koizumi, Susumu Maki, Hiroaki Kondo). Today, the expression "kachouga" (painting of flowers and birds) has come to be little used, replaced by the generic term "nihonga," but the nature-loving Japanese continue to be profoundly touched by a certain essence that continues to flower in this genre of painting. 1st half: May 15th (Thu) - June 15th (Sun) 2nd half: June 19th (Thu) - July 21st (Mon, national holiday)

Photographer Eikoh Hosoe's life is a reflection of the path taken by postwar Japanese photographic history. Hosoe has consistently made work that channels artistic concepts originating in Europe and America and bringing a certain intensity of expression and strength of vision to Japanese photography. Hosoe bought his first camera when he was 15, in 1948. While still a teenager, he mingled with artists like Eikyu, Masuo Ikeda, Masa Kato, Toru Takemitsu and On Kawara, while being strongly influenced by the work of Teijiro Kubo, Shuzo Takiguchi and Shikanosuke Oka. Upon graduation from the photography department of the Tokyo Photography College (now Tokyo Polytechnic University) at 21, Hosoe decided to work as a freelance photographer right away. In 1959, Hosoe formed the Vivo group (disbanded in 1961) along with Kikuji Kawada, Akira Sato, Akira Tanno, Shomei Tomatsu and Ikko Narahara, producing their own work and establishing an economic base for their activities. The same year that Vivo was founded, Hosoe became friends with Anraku Butoh founder Tatsumi Hijikata and saw the "Kinshoku" performance at the Dai-ichi Seimei Hall in Tokyo which left a deep impression on him. Like Hosoe, Hijikata was born in Akita in the Tohoku region of Japan. At the age of 21, when Hosoe decided to become a photographer, Hijikata was inspired by Kazuo Ono's butoh performance in Kanda, Tokyo and entered the world of life as a butoh performer. The encounter between these two artists flowered forth after the photo collection "Kamaitachi" was published in 1969 by Gendai Shisousha. Although Hijikata passed away in 1986 at the age of 57, his spirit seems to live on in Hosoe, who produced an Eros-inspired color work entitled "Shunpon: Ukiyo-e Urushi," shot at HIjikata's former training ground, the Asbestos-kan in Meguro, Tokyo (closed 2003), where Hosoe shot photographs of butoh artists (and Hijikata disciples) whose bodies had been painted white and on whom images of ukiyo-e were projected. Following this, Hosoe used digital technology in conjunction with Japanese folding screens, hanging scrolls and other traditional arts in pursuit of a new photographic style. This solo exhibition by Hosoe at Epsite is a manifestation of this fusion of the fundamental components of both technology and Japanese culture. Gallery Talk by the artist July 5th (Sat) 15:00-16:00

An artist's talk will be held Wednesday, July 2nd, 17:30-18:30

Comment by Art Director Yumi Yamaguchi: Ken Hamaguchi's first solo exhibition will be held at Takahashi Collection. This is breaking news because no one knows his name or even what kind of work he does. This spring, I published "The Power of the Japanese Contemporary Art" (Ascii) in which I introduced Ken Hamaguchi's work, and Mr. Takahashi got interested in his work. He contacted me quite recently. While I respect Takahashi's aesthetic choices and how fast he acts on his decisions, I also admire Hamaguchi's modest attitude as an artist, never overtly promoting himself. In the last 10 years, he focused on completing the 100 works in this series, "Black, Sutra, and the Rest", as well as creating the works of "Heart Sutra" series, a total of 276 pieces. He never rushes himself to further his career, following his own rhythm. When he's in the studio, he never loses his focus. His work has nothing to do with J-pop, popular TV dramas, fashion, or any sorts of trend. In recent years, there are more artists who try to market themselves, but he stands on the other end of the world. Six years ago, I wrote in a book entitled "Introduction to Introductory Contemporary Art" (Kobunsha-shinsyo), "Hamaguchi's work is kitschy, flashy, sexy and chivalrous in a slightly yakuza way, as well as classical and maniacal, and his composition is out of the ordinary." My impression of his work hasn't changed since then. It is quite an experience to view his work in person. Hamaguchi is just about to start his career, and people will see more of his work from now on."

Masato Moriwaki was born in 1950. After graduating from Tama Art University he became an apprentice to Gensou Okuda. Currently, he lives in Nerima ward and is a nihonga painter affiliated with the Nitten group. Figures in Moriwaki's paintings seem to be questing for a sense of place. This special exhibition features about 15 works that span his early period, while he was a elementary and middle school teacher and had occasion to observe closely his students and adolescent wards, right up until his recent works, which attempt to visualize internal human emotions and a profound sense of human existence itself. -Related events (14:00-) Gallery talk by curators and volunteers June 14th, 28th, July 12th, 26th Artist talk June 7th, 21st, July 5th, 19th (sign language translation included on June 21st and July 19th)

Young artists exhibit work on the theme of infinity.

This exhibition features the work of Kenji Suzuki and Hiroko Fujino, attempting to read and take apart the landscape of cities through multiple viewpoints. While their techniques are different, their concerns and sympathies are similar. Kenji Suzuki was born in Shizuoka prefecture in 1966 and graduated from the course in western painting (yoga) at the department of figurative arts at Kyoto Zokei Art University in 2003. Suzuki produces layered paintings composed of multiple landscapes using a controlled palette and restrained lines. In recent years, he has started working with the particular texture and feel of silver paint. Hiroko Fujino was born in Tokyo in 1984 and graduated from the industrial design department at Musashino Art University in 2007. She is currently a candidate for the Masters degree in industrial design, specializing in glass, at Tama Art University. While making use of the unique feel and texture of glass, Fujino produces 3D works that capture the dual nature of cityscapes - back and front, destruction and creation, etc. Opening Reception: July 5th (Sat) 18:00- [Image: Kenji Suzuki, "Color of Vision" (2008), oil on canvas, 909×1167mm]

Ryosuke Hara's paintings capture not a singular moment but multiple places and different time frames all at once. He avoids layering different colors of paint on a canvas in order to diminish hierarchy among the motifs he employs. This approach results in an evened out surface on which the motifs are equally significant and the originally contradictory concepts of time and space come together. Ultimately, he aims to create a situation where a new set of values can evolve. Taking landscape, people, and the cosmos as his main themes, Hara reveals his unique viewpoint on the concept of time and space. [Image: "By a Lake" (2008) Oil on canvas 130.3 x 194cm]

This exhibition showcases the latest and most informed trends and developments in contemporary architecture, introducing the newest projects currently underway by 7 Japanese and 26 foreign practices.

Part of the gallery, plus library, mini theater and lounge will be used as "ICC Open Space", a free communication space open to the public. ICC has consistently aimed at providing a space for the free appreciation of intersections between art and technology, developments in research, networks and archives through its "corners" and zones", as well as many works of art. Various materials, videos and recordings pertaining to the history of the ICC's activities are also available for reference purposes. A cafe, shop and rest space are also provided, allowing viewers to create their own encounters and exchanges with cutting edge technologies, means of communication and modes of culture. [Image: Hive Corner]

Jim O’Connell documents Tokyo’s red-light district, making connections with Kabukicho’s working men and women, revelers and passers-by. This exhibition comprises of ten photographs shot in 2006. This event is taking place in , a bar in Golden Gai.

Iwaishima (in the town of Kaminoseki in Yamaguchi prefecture) is an island located in the Seto Inland Ocean that has preserved an otherworldly quaintness, with its neri-bei (walls made out of piled stones), protecting houses from strong winds, and narrow maze-like alleys that lead visitors to other realms. Yamada started visiting the site 5 years ago after being completely taken with its charms. The populations of all islands in Japan has been on the decline, and Iwashima, with a population of 600, is no exception. However, there is not the least trace of pessimism among the locals. During the o-bon holiday and New Year's, family members who have moved off the island return to their homes, temporarily bringing life back to the island. By taking photographs of people from Iwaishima who communicated openly and freely with him, Yamada set the stage for the mining of precious memories from this experience. On the other hand, Yamada is concerned about plans to build an atomic power plant by the island in the near future. This is becoming a harrowing concern among the locals as well. 46 monochrome photographs will be on display.

Opening Party: July 8th (Tue) 18:00 Mini Live Party: July 15th (Sun) 19:00

Exhibition by student photography club.

Exhibition of numerous handmade objects made of wood, brass and stain paints taking as their motifs the things that surround us. The theme of the exhibition is "happy stories between people and things". About 50 items, accessories for living, industrial products like machines and typewriters, along with organs, robots, toasters, instruments, toys and so on, are on display.

- Keio Art Auction

There will be an artist talk on Monday, August 4th,17:30-18:30

An artist talk will be held Tuesday, September 2nd, 17:30-18:30