Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2010

A Requiem: Where is the Dictator? 1, 2007

A darling of the Japanese art scene since the ’80s, Yasumasa Morimura has devoted his career to creating humorous if gimmicky pieces in which he places himself, Zelig-like, amid famous historical settings and artworks. “A Requiem: Art on Top of the Battlefield” at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography provides a rare chance to view one of Morimura’s series in its entirety. By using his body as a vessel to evoke historical memory, the artist forces a reevaluation of the public figures and ideologies that shaped the 20th century.

Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography

Yasumasa Morimura. A Requiem: Art on Top of the Battlefield. Photography. Until May 9, free (elem and under)/¥600 (MS, HS, 65 and over)/¥800 (univ)/¥1,000 (general). Yebisu Garden Place, 1-13-3 Mita, Meguro-ku. Tel: 03-3280-0099. Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm (Thu & Fri until 8pm). Nearest stn: Ebisu, east exit. www.syabi.com