Summary and review of “For a New World to Come: Experiments in Japanese Art and Photography”
“For a New World to Come: Experiments in Japanese Art and Photography, 1968-1979” is an exhibition that explores the intersection of art and photography in Japan during a decade marked by significant political and social upheaval. The exhibition presents around 250 works, including photographs, photo books, paintings, sculptures, and film-based installations. It highlights the innovative use of photography by 29 Japanese artists to experiment with and conceptualize their artistic practices during this transformative period.
The exhibition is structured around several themes:
- Political and Social Turmoil (1968-1970): This section features images capturing student protests and underground art scenes, notably through the works of the Provoke photography collective. Their distinctive “grainy, blurry, out-of-focus” style aimed to reflect the chaotic and uncertain atmosphere of the time.
- Conceptual Uses of Photography: Artists who traditionally worked in other mediums began using photography to document and infuse their work with temporal elements. This included conceptual installations and performances that integrated photography as a central element.
- Artistic Movements and New Mediums: The exhibition also examines the Mono-ha movement, where artists like Koji Enokura used photography to explore the materiality and presence of objects.
- Personal and Introspective Works: Many artists turned to photography to document personal journeys and intimate aspects of life, creating deeply personal and experimental works that laid the groundwork for contemporary Japanese art.
The exhibition, first shown at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and later in New York, provides an unprecedented look at this critical period in Japanese art history, often referred to as the “missing pages” in the global art narrative (The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston) (Hyperallergic) (The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston) (Asian Art Newspaper).
Reviews
The exhibition has received positive reviews for its comprehensive and enlightening presentation of a pivotal decade in Japanese art and photography. Reviewers praise the exhibition for its depth and the diversity of works displayed, which include major loans and many pieces never before seen in the U.S. Critics highlight the way it captures the radical shifts in artistic practices and the broader socio-political context of the era. The inclusion of iconic works from the Provoke collective and the thoughtful curation of thematically organized sections have been particularly well-received (The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston) (Hyperallergic) (The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston).
For more detailed reviews and information, you can visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s website and other art-focused publications like Hyperallergic and Asian Art Newspaper.
