Who Will You Show Your Art To? Collaboration Between Artists and Viewers at The University Art Museum (Tokyo University of the Arts)

The University Art Museum - Tokyo University of the Arts will hold a special exhibition, Who Will You Show Your Art To? from August 8 through August 27, 2023. Through the works of contemporary artists who confront the challenges of society, the exhibition will explore themes such as loneliness, the body, and sexuality, the relationship between human beings and nature, as well as collaboration and solidarity with others. Participating artists include Satoru Aoyama, Andrea Bowers & Suzanne Lacy, Melanie Bonajo, Masato Kobayashi, Muyun Li, Kao Okada, Sanghyun Park, and Rintaro Unno.

Exhibiting artist and activist Suzanne Lacy has said that when she shows works in art museums, her imagination extends beyond those who come to see them and includes those who cannot visit the venue due to financial or psychological constraints.

A work of art is not created by the artist alone, and its meaning constantly changes according to the reactions of its viewers, who feel, interpret, and sometimes develop questions upon encountering it. Therefore, the exhibition aims to examine the role of the viewer, or “audience,” and explore the possibilities of a new interrelationship between artist and viewer and a new viewing experience.

To connect the artist and the audience, the exhibition will feature questions for artists and allow users to post opinions on the walls. There will also be discussions in sign language with deaf people and programs for young children and senior audiences. The details will be announced on the official website. The exhibition is scheduled to run from August 8 through August 27, and admission is free.