Art Space Tokyo: An intimate guide to the Tokyo art world

Nakaochiai Gallery — Art Space Map #5

Posted by Craig on Wednesday, August 6th 2008

A little overdue, but our latest Art Space Tokyo art map is now up!

Nakaochiai Gallery, nestled in a small crook of mid-west Tokyo is one of our book’s most residential spaces. As always, don’t forget to download the high-res PDF version of the map.

We’ve also gone and added Nobumasa Takahashi’s drawings of the art space exteriors to all previous entries.

In related book news, we’re finalizing our September US release New York events and will be posting more information on those soon! 

Art Map #4 - 21_21 Design Sight, Roppongi

Posted by Craig on Wednesday, July 2nd 2008

Today marks the release of Art Space Tokyo, Tokyo Art Map #4 — 21_21 Design Sight in Roppongi. Here’s what we have to say about the space:

Opened in 2007, this sleek, angular Tadao Ando-designed building is now one of Tokyo’s signature works of architecture: two triangular shards of steel-reinforced concrete and glass that rise up out of the ground, conveying lightness and poise.

And with the beautiful (if unseasonable — isn’t it supposed to be down pouring right about now?) weather lately, a great afternoon would be a stop by 21_21 and then a nap in the nearby park. 

YATAM (Yet Another Tokyo Art Map): Ghibli Museum, Kichijoji

Posted by Craig on Monday, June 16th 2008

Today marks the release of our third Art Space Tokyo art map: Ghibli Museum, Kichijoji / Mitaka. Ghibli Museum is the one art space featured far beyond the innards of the Yamanote Line (Nakaochiai Gallery and Gallery éf are also beyond the Yamanote Line, but not by much!).

A perfect 8 hours in Tokyo: Embrace one of these rare sun filled days as we head into the 2008 rainy season, spend the afternoon wandering around Inokashira Park (Sundays are especially good, but crowded), take in Ghibli Museum and then enjoy a delicious dinner in Kichijoji. Sure, you’ll be sweaty, but you’ll also be smiling and full and have a deeper insight into the mind of Mr. Miyazaki. For bonus points: on the Chuo line back into town, meditate on this Hitotoki.

PDF Art Map Downloads:
Ghibli Museum
Tokyo Gallery + BTAP
Project Space Kandada

Art Map #2 - Tokyo Gallery + BTAP

Posted by Craig on Monday, May 26th 2008

What’s that you hear? I believe a new art map is hot off the presses. Download the map file right away, or tuck away the map link for later perusal.

Art Space Tokyo describes Tokyo Gallery + BTAP thusly:

Tokyo Gallery was founded in 1950 by Takashi Yamamoto, the man largely responsible for introducing contemporary art to Japan. As Japan’s first commercial contemporary art gallery, Tokyo Gallery has been at the center of the Tokyo art world for several decades and has continuously exhibited groundbreaking works by Japanese, Asian and Western artists.

Almost everyone knows Ginza but I would venture to say few know this seminal gallery. Tucked away in a back alley near Shinbashi, Tokyo Gallery + BTAP straddles one of those void-like interspaces long time residents of Tokyo know well. To the east lies all the shopping and glamour Ginza has built its reputation on. To the north, a gaggle of upscale hostess clubs; to the west Shinbashi and the Nagakin Capsule Tower, and deep to the south, Tsukiji.

Latest exhibition information and schedules can be found on the Tokyo Gallery + BTAP homepage or their Tokyo Art Beat listing.