Tomokazu Matsuyama: Mythologiques

The Contemporary Istanbul Foundation, in collaboration with our esteemed partner, Turkish Airlines, proudly announces Tomokazu Matsuyama’s groundbreaking solo exhibition Mythologiques, running concurrently with the 60th Venice Biennale. This eagerly anticipated showcase, curated by Christoph Doswald, will unfold at Magazzino No. 41, Marina Militare, Arsenale di Venezia, from April 20 to November 24, 2024.

Matsuyama, bridging his heritage between Japan and the USA, distills a bicultural narrative into a vibrant oeuvre that navigates the complexities of a globalized society. His artistry unites disparate cultural symbols into a new, universal reality, echoing the dynamism of contemporary life. Behind his visually arresting works is a profound exploration of the tension between local familiarity and global universality, a theme that Christoph Doswald meticulously weaves into the exhibition’s curatorial context.

Drawing on historical milestones and the holistic view of our interconnected world, Mythologiques, inspired by Claude Lévi-Strauss and curated by Christoph Doswald, delves into the construction of individual identity amidst an age of ubiquitous images, values, and information. Matsuyama’s reflections on global interdependencies and cultural tensions, as well as his unique perspective on migration and cultural fusion, form the exhibition’s backbone.

The exhibition, designed by studioMDA, set against Venice’s rich backdrop, a city of cultural intersections, amplifies Matsuyama’s artistic inquiry into identity, belonging, and the global condition. This dialogue is further enriched by the exhibition’s setting in Arsenale, promising a reflective discourse on identity and global interconnectedness through installations, large-scale paintings, and sculptures.

Doswald’s curatorial context highlights Matsuyama’s nuanced exploration of the “self and foreign,” revealing a kaleidoscope of cultural ambiguity. Matsuyama’s works, emerging from his bi-cultural experiences and academic journey, encapsulate a profound commentary on our globalized social constructs. The exhibition is a manifestation of Matsuyama’s relentless introspection across diverse contexts, addressing the obsolescence of traditional notions of identity in the Web3 era and the intense interweaving of cultures today.

Mythologiques engages with Venice’s cultural, economic, and social energies, offering a fertile field of dialogue for Matsuyama’s latest works. The exhibition comprises a central sculpture and eight large-format paintings, alongside six ‘side altars’, culminating in the monumental “You One Me Erase,” a piece that typifies Matsuyama’s ability to blend art historical references with contemporary emblems, thus creating a vibrant narrative on cultural hybridity and global design influences.

The exhibition Mythologiques by Tomokazu Matsuyama, curated by Christoph Doswald, is not merely an exhibition; it is a profound exploration of the interconnectedness of our global society, challenging our perceptions of identity and cultural belonging. The Contemporary Istanbul Foundation invites you to immerse yourself in this captivating journey from April 20 to November 24, 2024 at Magazzino No. 41, Marina Militare, Arsenale di Venezia.

Save the date for this compelling exploration of global identity and cultural dialogue. 

Curated by Christoph Doswald

Press moment: April 17, 1:30pm (please RSVP to vassia [​at​] picklespr.com)
Opening cocktail: April 17, 2 to 5pm