Saitama Museum of Modern Art 83 works introduction Surprising chair art: Tokyo Shimbun TOKYO Web

The “Absolute Chairs” exhibition (co-sponsored by Tokyo Shimbun and others) is being held at the Prefectural Museum of Modern Art in Urawa Ward, Saitama City. A collection of 83 works of art with a chair theme, including paintings, sculptures, and videos. By turning chairs into art, we can convey the various meanings that chairs have. Although the content is exciting, the subject matter is familiar, so it’s easy to relate to and can be enjoyed by both children and adults. (Ao Ida)

◆For meetings…

Before entering the exhibition hall, a sphere hanging in the atrium of the museum catches your eye. It has spikes like a sea urchin, but if you look closely you can see conference chairs assembled into a spherical shape. It was created by an artist from Canada who came to Japan. Curator Ayaki Saeki, who planned the exhibition, said, “This work symbolizes human society.The sphere represents people working together in harmony, regardless of hierarchy, but the protrusions are aggressive and exclusive.” Explain.

◆I can’t sit down! ?

There are also “chairs that you can’t sit on” that seem to have reversed their original purpose. One example is the work of a Scottish artist who combines colorful chairs by cutting them up and turning them upside down. Avant-garde artist Taro Okamoto’s work with googly eyes is called “The Chair That Refuses to Sit.” Although it is possible to sit on the work, the protrusion on the seat makes the viewer feel as if they are being provoked by the artist.

◆For execution of death penalty

Like a throne, a chair is also a symbol of power. This series of prints by American pop art artist Andy Warhol is eye-catching with its pink and yellow colors reminiscent of the famous Marilyn Monroe prints. However, the motif is the electric chair for executions. It was introduced for humanitarian purposes, with the idea that it would “instantly kill death row inmates,” but in reality, there have been cases where the suffering has been prolonged.

Wheelchairs will also be available. Kazuhiko Hiwa, an artist who actually uses a wheelchair in his daily life, created and exhibited a video work that would allow him to move around in the event of a disaster. A staff member put the doll in a wheelchair and pushed it around, and the doll actually moved around Saitama city on a skateboard to photograph the doll. “We experienced many obstacles, such as narrow sidewalks and steps.The four-hour journey was tiring, but it was a unique experience that allowed us to synchronize with the physical sensations of wheelchair users.” (Mr. Saeki, who participated as a curator) )

There is also a corner with various chairs made from recycled materials from artists’ production sites, so you can actually sit on them and enjoy them.

Until May 12th. 10am to 5:30pm. Open all day long during Golden Week. Admission: 1,300 yen for adults, 1,040 yen for university and high school students, free for junior high school students and younger. For inquiries, please call the museum at 048 (824) 0111.