On the exhibition “Aida Makoto: Monument for Nothing”
February 6, 2013
Dear all,
Thank you for your continuous support and your keen interests in the Mori Art Museum.
As informed, the exhibition we are currently holding at the Mori Art Museum “Aida Makoto: Monument for Nothing” contains works with provocative and sexually explicit content. Those of particularly explicit nature are exhibited in specially-designated gallery that has been rated 18+ out of the consideration for juveniles as well as for those who may find the subject matter of this nature disturbing. We have been receiving various opinions regarding such content, which makes it an excellent opportunity for me to reiterate the purpose of holding this exhibition, as well as of exhibiting those artworks.
Since opening, the Mori Art Museum has made it part of its mission to showcase important contemporary artists both Japanese and non-Japanese, for the benefit of Japan, and a wider international audience. In many cases, contemporary art tackles issues in our society in experimental, critical and provocative ways, and throws up a diversity of perspectives on which one might say, the jury is still out. The Mori Art Museum is dedicated to introducing as many of these new perspectives as possible, provided there is no legal obstruction to doing so.
When it came to putting together an exhibition of work by important Japanese contemporary artist Aida Makoto, the Mori Art Museum took into account the need to present without bias the most comprehensive selection possible of Aida's diverse oeuvre to date. Aida's works often reveal original, unconventional viewpoints on subjects such as war, the state, love, desire, and art. And in the Museum's view, the essence of Aida's art, suffused with humor and insight, can only be apprehended through a comprehensive showing of his work.
The Mori Art Museum is a forum for presenting various modes of thought as expressed through art, and as such, generates opportunities for dialogue and debate. In the case of this exhibition too, we believe it is important for those of differing opinions to share those views. And surely one of the great things about Japan is that individuals are freely able to express/declare diverse opinions. The Mori Art Museum remains committed to offering a broad range of contemporary art to the wider public, and acting as a basis for discussion and dialogue.
Nanjo Fumio
Director
Mori Art Museum, Tokyo
Dear all,
Among my works – not limited to those with sexual themes – I think there are those that some find shocking. My employment of such expression is invariably as, what I call "irony" in art, or, though I don't tend to use the phrase, might also be described as expression “used in a critical way.” I never aim to simply satisfy some sexual predilection or to express malicious intent in any way. Nor do I believe should any restrictions be imposed on art, requiring that it “be universally loved,” or “not cause discomfort or uneasiness.” With regards to the locations and methods used to present my artwork, I shall abide by the law, by all means.
Aida Makoto
