The final event of the "2013-2014 400th Anniversary of Japan-Spain Relations" will be an unprecedented collaboration that transcends time and space between two artists: Antoni Gaudí, the master of Spanish architecture, and Takehiko Inoue, Japan's foremost manga artist, known for works like "Slam Dunk" and "Vagabond." The "Special Exhibition: Gaudí x Takehiko Inoue - Synchronized Sources of Creativity" will run from July 12 to September 7 at the Mori Arts Center Gallery in Roppongi. This three-part exhibition traces Gaudí's career as an architect, from his childhood to his final days, along with his many accomplishments. It features projection mapping, three-screen theater videos, floor decorations, and architectural installations, all designed to captivate and stimulate the viewer's imagination. The gallery space, overflowing with dynamic curves and vibrant colors, seems to fully express Gaudí's worldview, which was described as "bold and groundbreaking." The exhibition will feature approximately 100 works from the collections of specialized Spanish institutions under the supervision of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, including Gaudi's handwritten sketches and drawings, benches, chairs, and doors from Casa Calveto, furniture designed by Gaudi, and architectural models of the World Heritage-listed Casa Mila and Sagrada Familia. Meanwhile, Inoue will be showcasing approximately 40 works, all created specifically for this exhibition, including manga depicting turning points in Gaudi's life and ink paintings expressing Gaudi's worldview on the world's largest handmade washi paper. In this exhibition, Inoue delves deeply into the character of Gaudi, translating his keen observational insights into paintings and stories. A unique "Gaudi world" unfolds. Inoue, who was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the 400th Anniversary of Japan-Spain Relations in December last year, is currently in Barcelona to work on this project. He has set up his base of operations in La Pedrera, with a direct view of the Sagrada Familia, which has been under construction since 1882. Inoue, who appeared at the press preview, commented with a blush, "I often got lost during my stay, but before I knew it, I'd suddenly find myself in front of the apartment where Gaudí lived for about 30 years. I felt like I was being called." When asked what he and Gaudi had in common, he replied, "It may be presumptuous to say we had similarities, but I think Gaudi had the same idea of 'you can't understand unless you're on-site,' so he just kept drawing on the spot."

This exhibition brings together two of Japan's most representative artists, transcending eras, countries, and creative genres, and allows visitors to fully experience the 'beautiful chemical reaction' that occurs when the creative sources of these two extraordinary geniuses synchronize.


[Event Information]
Special Exhibition: Gaudi x Takehiko Inoue - Synchronized Sources of Creativity
Venue: Mori Arts Center Gallery
Address: Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Dates: July 12th to September 7th
Time: 10:00am to 8:00pm
Admission: Adults 1,800 yen, Middle and High School Students 1,300 yen, Elementary School Students 800 yen