Five Must-Visit Exhibitions During Art Week Tokyo
Phung-Tien Phan at Misako & Rosen (Until 16 November)
Phung-Tien Phan, a Vietnamese-German artist born in Essen and trained at Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, presents sculptures and videos examining the social significance of everyday objects. Her work reflects the roles people play in both public and private spaces, highlighting deliberate cultural references shaping our environment.
This is her first solo exhibition in Japan and with the gallery. She created new sculptures on-site using objects collected in Essen, such as toys and radios, which she wrapped in fabric to resemble dumplings. Her casual, diasporic assemblages complement Misako & Rosen’s informal programming.
Group at Anomaly Gallery
Formed in 2005, Tokyo-based artist collective Group consists of Ryuta Ushiro, Yasutaka Hayashi, Ellie, Masataka Okada, Motomu Inaoka, and Toshinori Mizuno. Known for satirical, socially engaged projects, the guerrilla art group has gained international recognition and is represented in major museums.
Their fourth solo show, A Hole Within a Hole Within a Hole, addresses environmental waste by exploring the concept of holes — from manholes and sewers to hidden voids filled with space debris.
"A Hole Within a Hole Within a Hole explores environmental waste issues through the concept of holes, from manholes and sewers to less visible ones filled with space junk."
These exhibitions highlight contemporary artistic responses to social, cultural, and ecological issues during Art Week Tokyo.
Summary: Art Week Tokyo features unique exhibitions that explore social roles, environmental concerns, and cultural identity through inventive sculptures, videos, and guerrilla art.