Written by Carey Finn
If you’re looking for a brilliant modern-art exhibition in Tokyo, Roppongi Crossing is it. The latest edition features a raft of acclaimed artists based in Japan and abroad, centred around the theme of time; specifically, how precious and transient it is.
Launched in 2004 and held every three years, the Roppongi Crossing exhibition offers a snapshot of Japan’s contemporary art scene, seeking to re-examine it from multiple perspectives. This is its eighth installment, at the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills.
You can expect thought-provoking painted works and sculptures, as well as immersive video, sound pieces, embroidery, crafts, zines, and community projects — the exhibition transcends the boundaries of media.
The line-up includes works by:
- A.A. Murakami — the name behind the exhibition’s iconic Moon Under the Water installation, a work made of soap bubbles, run by an AI-written operating system; formed in London, based in London and Tokyo
- Hiro Naotaka — born in Osaka, based in Los Angeles
Photo by Carey Finn - Kuwata Takuro — born in Hiroshima, based in Gifu
- Hosoi Miyu — born in Aichi, based in Tokyo
- Oki Junko — born in Saitama, based in Kanagawa
- Wada Reijiro — born in Hiroshima, based in Berlin
- Kim Insook — born in Osaka, based in Tokyo and Seoul
- Maya Watanabe — born in Lima, based in Amsterdam
- ZUGAKOUSAKU & KURIEITO — formed and based in Hyogo; you can take your favorite parts of this artwork home with you when it’s dismantled on the final day of the exhibition
- Shooshie Sulaiman — born in Muar, Malaysia; based in Muar and Hiroshima
- Carrie Yamaoka — born and based in New York
And many others — numbering 21 artists in total.
The exhibition runs concurrently with several smaller shows: MAM Collection 021: Hao Jingban, MAM Screen 022: Ikkibawikrrr, MAM Project 034: Sonia Boyce.
Note: The gallery closes at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. It also closes at 5 p.m. on December 8. It is open until 10 p.m. on December 30. You can enter until 30 minutes before the closing time.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
