Tomio Koyama Gallery
Closes in 17 days
Twenty years from now, when we can look back on the trend toward the immature in Japanese art, we'll finally be able to shake out the worthy from the wearying. Ten or 20 canvases will stand the test of time, while the rest can be forgotten. To see one that's probably built to last, check out Makiko Kudo's current exhibition at the Tomio Koyama Gallery (www.tomiokoyamagallery.com) in Kiyosumi. Not everything clearly jumps out here, but "Since I Can See the World" (above) makes a fine argument for longevity. The childlike subject of a girl is expressive, while the brush strokes and composition are what they call "painterly" — that is, in a conversation with the history of the art form. Ask yourself if the rest will last as well. And if you make it to Kiyosumi by Saturday, check out Hiromi Yoshii gallery's extra space on the first floor of the complex for some humorous videos by Hiroki Kehara. They are the human equivalent of artist Koki Tanaka's popular short films about objects.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.