After a year of closure and renovation, the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum reopened on November 22nd. To celebrate its new beginning, two exhibitions, "Architects/1933/Shirokane: A Look at Art Deco Architecture" and "Naito Rei: The Emotion of Belief," will be held simultaneously. The newly renovated Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum's main building, previously used as an exhibition space, underwent extensive renovations and cleaning, and a new large white cube gallery space was created on the premises. The exhibition "Architects/1933/Shirokane: A Look at Art Deco Architecture," held in the main building, will showcase the investigation and restoration work carried out inside and outside the building during the museum's closure. While carefully examining the work of the architects in 1933, visitors will trace the story of the creation of Prince Asaka's residence. The repainted exterior walls and the beautiful brilliance of the restored interior are sure to captivate visitors. The New Gallery, with its dazzling white walls, is also hosting the exhibition "Naito Rei: Emotions of Faith." This artist, who rose to international fame at the 1997 Venice Biennale, will rediscover the allure of color in painting in this exhibition. Take your time to gaze upon the "Color Beginnin" series, in which white paint covers the entire canvas. You'll notice the subtle tones of the white within the canvas, enveloping you like a soft light. While these two exhibitions may seem completely separate, they are actually connected. Throughout the Main Gallery, Naito's other recent work, the "Hito" series of small wooden figures, is discreetly displayed. Located in a former residence where the quiet breathing of members of the Imperial family can be heard, Naito's silent "Hito" gently welcomes viewers into a tranquil setting. Searching for these tiny "Hito" figures is one of the great pleasures of this exhibition.
[Event Information]
Architects / 1933 / Shirokane: Viewing Art Deco Architecture
Naito Rei: The Emotion of Faith
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, Main Building ("Architects" exhibition), New Gallery 1 and Main Building ("Naito Rei" exhibition)
Address: 5-21-9 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Dates: November 22nd to December 25th
Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 (Open until 20:00 from December 22nd to 25th)
Closed: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays (Special opening on December 24th)
Admission: Adults 700 yen, University students 560 yen, Junior and senior high school students and those 65 and over 350 yen (Can view both exhibitions on the day of viewing only)