"Christian Boltanski: Lifetime," the largest retrospective exhibition ever held in Japan, will be held at the National Art Center, Tokyo from June 12th to September 2nd, showcasing the full scope of the work of Christian Boltanski, one of France's leading contemporary artists.
© Christian Boltanski / ADAGP, Paris, 2019, Photo © Angelika Markul
Christian Boltanski began making short films in the late 1960s, and in the 1970s he attracted attention for his active use of photography to create works that explored the memories of himself and others. In the 1980s, he began working on religious themes in light installations, gaining international acclaim. He has since continued to exhibit his works around the world, exploring themes such as history, memory, and traces of human existence. Boltanski has been active internationally since the 1970s, and has consistently exhibited his work in Japan, participating in the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale and the Setouchi Triennale. This exhibition will trace his work over the past 50 years and will be the largest retrospective ever held in Japan.

Storage Room (Canada) 1988 / Clothing / Artist's Collection© Christian Boltanski / ADAGP, Paris, 2019, © Yedessa Hendeles Art Foundation, Toronto, Photo by Robert Keziere
The exhibition will introduce Boltanski's diverse world of work through a planned 47 pieces, including his latest works. Boltanski's work explores themes such as collective and individual memory, religion, and death. His artistic expression is diverse, and he began using video in the late 1960s, before expanding his work to include a variety of media, including photography, books, and everyday objects. In recent years, he has been working on the theme of passing on stories through people, even creating works that do not leave a tangible mark.

Monument, 1986 / Photograph, frame, socket, light bulb, electrical cord / Collection of the artist© Christian Boltanski / ADAGP, Paris, 2019, Photo © The Israel Museum, Jerusalem by Elie Posner
In addition, the artist, who calls himself a "spatial artist," will be creating an installation tailored to the exhibition space. Rather than presenting his early to latest works in chronological order, he plans to combine individual works into one large installation. You can enjoy the exhibition with a map provided at the venue.

In addition, there will be a lecture by Boltanski himself on the first day of the exhibition, as well as an explanatory session by the curator in charge. For the latest information, please visit the exhibition's official website.