Event Background
The 13th Tokyo Art Fair began with a VIP preview on the evening of March 8, 2018, at the Tokyo International Forum, and officially opened to the public on the morning of March 9. This edition attracted 164 galleries, the highest number in the fair's history, including 18 international galleries based in Japan and 29 first-time participants.
Core Information
The theme of this year's Tokyo Art Fair was "Art is Life." The exhibition showcased a wide range of art categories, including antiques, jewelry, crafts, modern, and contemporary art. To enhance the visitor experience, the main hall (E Hall) was divided into five distinct zones, each color-coded on the guide map for easy navigation: International Galleries, Antiques, Emerging Galleries, Top Japanese Galleries, and Modern Art.
The fair also attracted top international art institutions, including Perrotin, which entered the Japanese market in 2017. Perrotin presented Chinese artist Xu Zhen's "Eternal" and "Evolution" series. The "Eternal" series blends sculptures and installations with classic elements from Eastern and Western art civilizations, using steel and composite minerals to create visual mashups. The "Evolution" series focuses on cultural differences and aesthetic commonalities in globalization, drawing on cross-temporal cultural elements.
Related Services
Towin Expo provided professional exhibition design, booth construction, and on-site delivery services for the Tokyo Art Fair, ensuring that each gallery's display space perfectly conveyed its artistic vision. From booth planning to construction, the Towin team managed the project with precision, guaranteeing a smooth execution.
Industry Insight
As a major art event in Asia, the Tokyo Art Fair's theme "Art is Life" reflects the growing integration of contemporary art into daily life. The coexistence of antiques, contemporary art, jewelry, and other categories, along with active participation from international galleries, indicates a more open and cross-disciplinary art market. Towin Expo continues to monitor such events, offering clients exhibition solutions that meet international standards.
Summary
The 2018 Tokyo Art Fair, themed "Art is Life," brought together 164 galleries, including 18 international galleries and 29 first-time exhibitors. The fair featured five zones and attracted top galleries like Perrotin, showcasing works by Xu Zhen. Towin Expo provided exhibition design, construction, and on-site services, contributing to the perfect presentation of art.