Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2010

Unique among major museums in lacking a permanent collection of its own, the NACT has instead made a point of amassing “files” on particular artists. Its annual show of contemporary art is, say the curators, “a project designed to unify the dual pursuits of staging exhibitions and collecting and providing information.” Without any overarching theme, “Artist File 2010” presents seven promising artists, six of whom are Japanese. Among them are Takashi Ishida, who makes abstract video art of his painting process; painter Toru Kawakubo, whose works “suggest the bleakness of the contemporary era”; and Kaoru Minamino, whose mission is to explore new directions in ceramic art.

The National Art Center, Tokyo
Renoir: Tradition and Innovation. Painting. Until Apr 5, free (MS and under)/¥800 (HS)/¥1,200 (univ)/¥1,500 (adult). Artist File 2010: The NACT Annual Show of Contemporary Art. Various media. Until May 5, free (18 and under)/¥500 (univ)/¥1,000 (adult). 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6812-9900. Open Wed-Mon 10am-6pm, closed Tue. Nearest stn: Roppongi, exit 4. www.nact.jp