Tadashi Kawamata Solo Exhibition "Kawamata Archive 2025"

Art Front Gallery is pleased to present Tadashi Kawamata solo exhibition: Kawamata Archive 2025.
Tadashi Kawamata is a pioneering artist who has been at the forefront of contemporary Japanese art through his unique approach of making the process of creation itself an integral part of his expression. As one of the earliest artists in Japan to embrace the medium of installation, Kawamata has significantly influenced the development of contemporary art in the country. In 1998, he became the founding professor of the Department of Intermedia Art at Tokyo University of the Arts. Since relocating to Paris in 2006, Kawamata has continued to develop numerous ambitious projects across Europe, the United States, and Asia.

Following the 2024 exhibition Kawamata Archive 2024, this new edition looks back at his wide-ranging activities throughout 2025. The exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of his practice this year, featuring works and materials from his exhibitions, commissioned projects, and ongoing initiatives both in Japan and abroad. In conjunction with the exhibition, a special catalogue will be published, compiling all of Kawamata’s maquettes to date—an invaluable record of his decades-long artistic career. Visitors who purchase the catalogue during the exhibition period will receive a complimentary tote bag featuring an illustration of "Chidoribashi Light Post."

Room 1 | Archive of 2025
This section presents Kawamata’s projects realized in Japan and abroad throughout 2025. Through models, maquettes, photographs, video documentation, and notes, visitors can trace the creative process behind each project. The exhibition will also feature a work identical to "Chidoribashi Light Post", Kawamata’s permanent public installation completed in March 2025 in Konohana Ward, Osaka.

Room 2 | Archive within Art Front Gallery
This room reflects on Kawamata’s long-standing relationship with Art Front Gallery through rare works and documentation from key projects, including Under Construction: Hillside Terrace (1984) and the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale.

This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the evolving trajectory of Tadashi Kawamata’s creative practice in a multidimensional way. We warmly invite you to visit and explore the world of his ongoing artistic experiments.


〈Artist Statement〉
About Kawamata Archive 2025

The “Kawamata Archive” exhibition at Art Front Gallery, which restarted last year, marks its second edition this year.
I had the opportunity to install a public artwork in Osaka, where my light post piece work was permanently placed.
I also created several works for private projects and participated in exhibitions at various museums. As always, I spent the summer in Japan, continuing year-round projects in Tsumari, Rokko, and Sendai.
Now I’ m back in Paris, where preparations have begun for projects scheduled for next year and the year after. These days, I'm as busy as ever.
Sometimes I find myself wondering how long this kind of life will continue.
Who knows what will happen.

Tadashi Kawamata