rin art association MAEBASHI is pleased to present “Art Salon,” an exhibition where you can enjoy art and tea time.
An art salon refers to a place or event where people gather to enjoy artworks such as paintings and sculptures.
Originally, the French word “Salon” meant ‘parlor’ or “reception room,” from which the meaning of a gathering place evolved.
Its fusion with art began in 17th-century France with the official exhibitions (salons) hosted by the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. State-sponsored art salons underwent a shift toward conservatism after the revolution, eventually leading to privatization.
Salon-style galleries, where artistic presentation and exchange occur in parallel, have a history of significantly contributing to the creation and development of urban culture while shaping the art scene.
This exhibition aims to function as a venue for cultural exchange through art appreciation by creating an open “Art Salon” as a conceptual space within Maebashi Galleria.
Given that academic perspectives serve as the standard for art salons in the visual arts, this exhibition presents works by six internationally acclaimed artists whose creations emerge from diverse identities: Andro Wekua, Rita Ackermann, Jad Fadjoujti, Thomas Houseago, Ron Arad, and Marc Newson.
The paintings by Andro Wekua, Rita Ackermann, and Jad Fadjoujti rendered from multifaceted perspectives, evoke the world’s historical cultural contexts and identities. Thomas Houseago’s sculptures prompt contemplation of the grand history of art while suggesting diverse contexts. Mark Newson and Ron Arad’s works, while being furnitures, are also prototypes, inviting us to imagine the process of product creation and the trial-and-error involved.
We hope that in this space, which feels a little removed from everyday life, visitors can enjoy sweets with coffee or tea, making academic art more accessible to the public. By fostering imagination through various interactions, we aim to further establish Maebashi Galleria as a hub for cultural expression.