This exhibition at Tokyo National Museum offers a first glimpse into 102 never-before-seen pieces by Japanese contemporary artist Tadanori Yokoo. Born in Hyogo in 1936, Yokoo’s influential artistry has graced the globe, with exhibitions in New York, Paris, Venice and beyond, earning him prestigious accolades, including the Asahi Prize.
In a series marking a pinnacle in his artistic journey, Yokoo masterfully reimagines the legendary tales of two eccentric Tang dynasty poets called Hanshan and Shide. Immersed in creative fervour during the pandemic's solitude, Yokoo transcends time and space, weaving enthralling narratives and posing myriad questions to the observer. Each piece is a gateway to a vivid spiritual journey, reflecting the allure of these legendary personalities across Japanese and Chinese traditions.