In Tokyo, Margiela’s art exhibition creates a haunting house

The Margiela exhibition transforms Kudan House by removing most its vintage furniture and covering everything in semitransparent plastic sheets
By Uliana Dobrova
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Threads
Email
Print
Bookmark story
Copy link
In a prewar Spanish-style concrete mansion in the center of Tokyo, a dim light illuminates sparse exhibits accompanied by enigmatic labels
Chairs are stacked as if forgotten, left unreturned to their places; amorphous sculptures occupy the bathroom; semitransparent plastic sheets hang along the walls
It’s as though the artist dissected his own works like a coroner attempting to determine the cause of death of art’s representation.Understanding this art show does not come easy, nor should it.This array of ghosts and shadows constitutes “Martin Margiela at Kudan House,” a long-awaited exhibition by the Belgian fashion designer who is probably most known for popularizing the Japanese-style tabi (split toe) shoes as high fashion in the West
Yet, it is surprisingly brief at just two weeks on display at Kudan House in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward until April 29.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

SUBSCRIBE NOW
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.

Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting
Japan to deploy 1,400 troops and missiles to large-scale drills in expanded role
Japan implements language proficiency requirements for certain visa applicants
Police investigate stains found on national treasure at Nara temple
Japan to restrict power banks on flights from April 24
Mammals cannot be cloned infinitely, Japanese mouse study shows
As AI advances, translators forced to adapt to industry changes
Why Princess Aiko won't ascend the chrysanthemum throne
Where will the Centrist Reform Alliance’s soul-searching take it?

Japan freezes visa applications for foreign restaurant workers
Where Tokyo goes to sweat and soak
Beijing row highlights need for Japan to reduce cleantech dependence on China
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’
Japan’s temples and shrines are testing the limits.

Ambassador believes in baseball diplomacy
Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division.

Myanmar reduces ex-leader Aung San Suu Kyi's sentence and frees former president
59 mins ago
Xi welcomes slew of world leaders as Trump fights with allies
1 hour ago
China's information war turns Taiwan’s own voices against it
1 hour ago
Japan’s wage growth holds momentum after small firms reach deals
1 hour ago
Japanese drone maker notes tailwind as demand jumps and China frozen out of U.S.

1 hour ago