Arab News Japan

Japanese artist Tsuyoshi Hisakado has brought his exhibition, “Polite Existence,” to the Middle East and South Asia, making his debut in the region. The exhibition is being presented at the Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and will run from May 4 to September 24.

Co-produced by Art Jameel and the Japan Foundation, “Polite Existence” showcases Hisakado’s mastery of large-scale conceptual installations that transcend traditional artistic boundaries. By seamlessly integrating sound, light, computer programming, sculpture, and drawing, the exhibition offers visitors an enthralling journey through space and time, leaving them with profound reflections.

Curated by Anna Bernice delos Reyes and Yu Iseki, “Tsuyoshi Hisakado: Polite Existence” is a result of the curatorial exchange between Japan and the UAE in 2022. The exhibition is produced by Art Jameel in collaboration with the Japan Foundation and aligns with the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Japan (2022).

“At Art Jameel, facilitating exchange between the Gulf and Japan is part of our mandate. And for the Jameel family, they’ve been involved in philanthropy and encouraging cultural exchange between Japan and the Gulf for 75 years. So for us, it’s not not necessarily something new to engage in this. It’s a continuation of a long term interest. And when we opened Jameel Art Centre in 2018, we had one of the largest commissions here that was by a Japanese artist, Chiharu Shiota. And at that point, we thought we must at some point feature new artists coming up in Japan, new stars from Japan and feature them here in the center. So it’s appropriate that coming up in our fifth year of Jameel Art Center’s life that we’ve dedicated a whole floor to this major solo show,” explained Antonia Carver, Director at Art Jameel.

Works from Japanese artist Tsuyoshi Hisakado’s exhibition “Polite Existence”presented in the Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai, UAE. (Supplied)

Curated by Anna Bernice delos Reyes and Yu Iseki, “Tsuyoshi Hisakado: Polite Existence” is a result of the curatorial exchange between Japan and the UAE in 2022. The exhibition is produced by Art Jameel in collaboration with the Japan Foundation and aligns with the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Japan (2022).

“At Art Jameel, we tend to work a lot with artists who are right on the cusp of being internationally known, but are yet to have a major solo show in the Middle East or South Asia or often internationally outside of their home country. So Tsuyoshi Hisakado is a great example of this. He’s super well known in Japan but hasn’t had a chance to show much internationally. You know, he’s never had a show in this part of the world, and he’s a kind of brilliant, original thinker. So we’re really interested in artists that are innovative, that are dynamic, that are talking about universal themes that everyone can, you know, find access to and take an interest in, yet are also steeped in ideas of craft and the philosophy of where they come from. So he really embodies all this kind of thinking and seems really appropriate to show here,” Antonia Carver, Director at Art Jameel said.

The Japan Foundation, supervised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serves as an incorporated administrative agency that promotes international cultural exchange in various fields, including the arts, Japanese-language education overseas, and Japanese studies. Its involvement in “Polite Existence” underlines the exhibition’s significance as a platform for cultural dialogue and understanding.

As visitors traverse the galleries, they are enveloped in an ethereal ambiance, where time seems to both stand still and flow ceaselessly. Hisakado’s works capture the subtle experiences that often go unnoticed, which provoke contemplation and challenge conventional perceptions.

“Polite Existence” offers not only a sensory feast but also sparks intellectual curiosity as the multidisciplinary approach used by Hisakado that blends elements of computer programming and sculpture with traditional artistic mediums, reflects the ever-evolving nature of contemporary art in pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

Japanese artist Tsuyoshi Hisakado’s work “Force” from the “Polite Existence” exhibition presented in  the Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai, UAE. (Supplied)

One of the notable works in “Polite Existence” is “Force,” which provides an immersive experience by combining sound and visual elements to captivate the viewer’s senses. The installation’s grand scale, which occupies the entirety of the Gallery, and the meticulously arranged components draw views further into a realm of heightened sensory perception. The installation features a series aluminum devices resembling printing trays affixed to a wall. From these trays, sheets of white paper gracefully descend like snowflakes, while the intermittent illumination of light bulbs casting shadows and highlights, immerse the viewer in a captivating visual landscape.

Japanese artist Tsuyoshi Hisakado’s work “Force” from the “Polite Existence” exhibition presented in  the Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai, UAE. (Supplied)

Accompanied by a low-frequency noise that fills the space, the installation evokes associations with rolling thunder and atmospheric disturbances, creating an impression of movement and power. Through the clever combination of wind, lightning, and thunder, the installation hints at the presence of an immense and intangible force capable of disrupting the delicate balance of an individual’s existence. This metaphor serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of human life in the face of unpredictable and uncontrollable forces, resonating deeply with viewers from various backgrounds.

Japanese artist Tsuyoshi Hisakado’s work “Force” from the “Polite Existence” exhibition presented in  the Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai, UAE. (Supplied)

Positioned in front of this display is a tilted glass rectangle, encircled by intermittently glowing light bulbs. The rhythmic illumination, reminiscent of a lightning storm, harmonizes with the soundscape emanating from strategically placed speakers.

The accompanying description aptly summarizes the artist’s intention behind “Force,” stating, “For the artist, Force alludes to the fear that our seemingly stable and reliable world is on a tilt, on the verge of collapsing.”

Through this thought-provoking installation, Hisakado invites viewers to confront their anxieties and contemplate the uncertainties that surround the external world.

Hisakado’s artistic journey has been deeply influenced by personal experiences, including surviving both the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the Great East Japan Earthquake. These encounters with the destructive forces of nature have instilled in him a profound respect for the laws that govern our universe. In “Polite Existence,” Hisakado harnesses the power of art to explore our place within the vast cosmos and our vulnerability in the face of larger forces.

The collaboration between Art Jameel and the Japan Foundation in bringing “Polite Existence” to fruition exemplifies the profound impact of cultural exchange and artistic dialogue in bridging the gap between two distinct regions. The exhibition not only showcases Hisakado’s remarkable talent but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japanese contemporary art within the Middle Eastern and South Asian contexts.