Exhibitions

Roppongi Hills and Mori Art Museum 15th Anniversary Exhibition Catastrophe and the Power of Art

What art can do in chaotic times where the future is uncertain

2018.10.6 [Sat] - 2019.1.20 [Sun]


Please download the list of exhibited works of “Catastrophe and the Power of Art.” (PDF/221KB)


Section 1: How Does Art Depict Disaster? - Documentation, Recreation, Imagination

Presenting works showing natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, and man-made disasters such as accidents and war, as well as personal tragedies, Section 1 will focus on “how art has portrayed catastrophe.” Although all the works in this section deal with disaster, the visual languages they use to do so vary widely from the realist, to the fictional, to the extremely abstract. This section includes works that give visual expression to less visible threats, such as the proliferation of globalized virtual capital in the 21st century - causing the global financial crisis of 2008 - and radiation contamination from the nuclear power plant accident in Fukushima. While touching on the capacity of art to blend beauty and humor into the expression of catastrophe, Section 1 will examine how artists attempt to document and recreate the horrors of disaster as well as fear, and preserve their stories for the future by sharing them with others.

Isaac Julien PLAYTIME 2014
Isaac Julien
PLAYTIME
2014
3-channel high-definition video installation, 5.1 surround sound
64 min. 12 sec.
Courtesy: Victoria Miro, London
Takeda Shimpei Trace # 7, Nihonmatsu Castle 2012
Takeda Shimpei
Trace # 7, Nihonmatsu Castle
2012
Gelatin silver print
50.8 x 60 cm
the amana collection, Tokyo
Miyamoto Ryuji Kobe 1995 After the Earthquake - Nagata-ku 1995
Miyamoto Ryuji
Kobe 1995 After the Earthquake - Nagata-ku
1995
Gelatin silver print
51 x 61 cm
Collection: Mori Art Museum, Tokyo
Gillian
Gillian Wearing
[left] My Grip on Life Is Rather Loose! [right] I’m Desperate
From the series “Signs that say what you want them to say and not Signs that say what someone else wants you to say”
1992-1993
C-print on aluminum
44.5 x 29.7 cm (each)
Courtesy: Maureen Paley, London
Thomas Hirschhorn Abschlag
Thomas Hirschhorn
Abschlag
2014
Mixed media sculpture
Dimensions variable
Installation view: “Manifesta 10,” General Staff Building, Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, 2014
Courtesy: Manifesta Foundation, Amsterdam
* Referential image

Section 2: Creation from Destruction - The Power of Art

Section 2 will close in on the “power of art” to generate creation from destruction. Catastrophe and tragedy can plunge us into despondency, yet disaster can also undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for artists to make art. The products of their copious imaginations, showing revival, recovery, and a better society, in turn help us to imagine an ideal future.
Unlike medicine, art may provide no fast remedies for disasters. But perhaps it can serve instead as long-term therapy for society. Art can lend its strength in many ways: as a vehicle for messages of hope, or a tool for solidarity in the face of oppression; contributing financially in the form of charity, healing wounded hearts. It will examine potentiality of art by giving particular attention on this “power” that art possesses to take the negative, and turn it into positive.

Ikeda Manabu Rebirth 2013-2016
Ikeda Manabu
Rebirth
2013-2016
Pen, acrylic ink, transparent watercolor on paper, mounted on board
300 x 400 cm
Collection: Saga Prefectural Art Museum
Digital archive: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
Courtesy: Mizuma Art Gallery, Tokyo / Singapore
* On view after November 28, 2018
Swoon Medea
Swoon
Medea
2017
Mixed media installation
Dimensions variable
Installation view: “The Canyon 1999-2017,” Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati, 2017-2018
Photo: Tod Seelie
Miyajima Tatsuo Sea of Time - TOHOKU (2017 Ishinomaki) 2017
Miyajima Tatsuo
Sea of Time - TOHOKU (2017 Ishinomaki)
2017
Waterproof LED, electric wire, integrated circuit, water
910 x 1,270 cm
Collection of the artist
Installation view: “Reborn-Art Festival 2017,” Miyagi, Japan
Georges Rousse Art Project in Miyagi
Georges Rousse
Art Project in Miyagi
2013
Digital print on wallpaper
120 x 160 cm
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