Aichi Triennale 2019 Faces Censorship and Artist Withdrawals Over Controversial Comfort Woman Statue
The Aichi Triennale's fourth edition, named Taming Y/Our Passion, commenced on August 1, 2019, in Nagoya and Toyota City, Japan, and continued until October 14, 2019. Under the direction of Daisuke Tsuda, along with five curators, the exhibition showcased the works of 90 artists. The inclusion of Kim Seo-kyung and Kim Eun-sung's Statue of Peace (2011) drew criticism from right-wing media. On the third day, the micro-exhibition After 'Freedom of Expression?' was shut down due to threats. By the third week, 11 artists had either withdrawn or modified their contributions in solidarity. Notable works featured artists like Dora Garcia, Ugo Rondinone, and Heather Dewey-Hagborg. Allegations of censorship arose, underscoring the ongoing debates regarding freedom of expression in Japan. A review appeared in the Autumn 2019 issue of ArtReview Asia.
Key facts
- The Aichi Triennale 2019 ran from August 1 to October 14, 2019.
- Artistic director Daisuke Tsuda led the event with five curators and 90 artists.
- Kim Seo-kyung and Kim Eun-sung's Statue of Peace (2011) sparked controversy before opening.
- After 'Freedom of Expression?' was closed on day three due to threats and denouncements.
- 11 artists withdrew or altered their work in solidarity by week three.
- Venues included the Aichi Arts Center, Nagoya City Art Museum, and Toyota Municipal Museum of Art.
- The triennale addressed themes like media polarization, discrimination, and technology.
- Mónica Mayer's The Clothesline (1978–) was silenced in protest of the closure.
Entities
Artists
- Kim Seo-kyung
- Kim Eun-sung
- Daisuke Tsuda
- Dora Garcia
- exonemo
- Imamura Yohei
- Yuan Goang-Ming
- Ugo Rondinone
- Takamine Tadasu
- Taryn Simon
- Koki Tanaka
- Ho Tzu Nyen
- Goro Murayama
- Heather Dewey-Hagborg
- Alejandro Jodorowsky
- Pascale Montandon-Jodorowsky
- Mónica Mayer
Institutions
- Aichi Triennale
- Aichi Arts Center
- Nagoya City Art Museum
- Toyota Municipal Museum of Art
- ArtReview Asia
Locations
- Nagoya
- Toyota City
- Japan
- Taipei
- South America
- New York
- Chile