The ACK Kyoto Art Fair, held from October 31 to November 3, 2023, brought contemporary art to the historical heart of Kyoto, merging modern creativity with the city’s traditional setting. One of the standout works was Laundry by Hong Kong-born artist Lee Kit. This piece featured five household drying racks, each draped with T-shirts printed with politically charged phrases such as “He was the problem” and “Progressive failure.” Despite the mundane nature of the piece, it made a powerful statement in the serene Japanese stone garden at the Kyoto International Conference Centre, highlighting how the ordinary can carry deep meaning.
The fair’s public program, curated by Hong Kong’s Arts Collective and called “What the Map Doesn’t Say,” also featured other thought-provoking works like Garbage Tomb (Translucent White 70L) by Tokyo-based collective Chim↑Pom. The exhibit displayed realistic sculptures of rubbish bags, prompting viewers to find significance in the simplest of objects. These works offered subtle social commentary, reflecting on political and societal issues, which was particularly poignant given the fair’s timing during a turbulent political period.
ACK Kyoto, now in its fourth edition, is a government-backed art fair that fosters collaboration between international and Japanese galleries. This year’s edition featured 69 galleries from 18 countries and regions, with a focus on keeping costs low and promoting meaningful cross-cultural exchanges. One example of this spirit was the collaboration between Hong Kong’s Rossi & Rossi and Tokyo’s Satoko Oe Contemporary, showcasing works by Tibetan artists.
The fair’s venue, a spacious pillar-free hall, was designed with transparency and minimalism in mind, using recycled wooden scaffolding to create a modern yet simple structure. The lack of labels for most artworks encouraged a more intuitive and emotional approach to viewing art, resonating especially with younger visitors.
In addition to the main fair, ACK also included Kyoto Meetings, which showcased works connected to the city’s history. This was complemented by ACK Nishijin Murasakino Art Night, an evening event featuring art in historic temples and gardens, providing an immersive experience where contemporary works interacted with Kyoto’s ancient architecture.
Through these initiatives, ACK Kyoto continues to solidify its reputation as a significant platform for contemporary art, offering both local and international artists the chance to engage with Kyoto’s rich cultural legacy while pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
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