Atsushi Kaga's Personal Installation at Art Basel Miami Positions Section Draws Attention

At Art Basel Miami's Positions section, Dublin gallery mother's tankstation presented Japanese-born, Irish-raised artist Atsushi Kaga, who appeared in person with his mother, tailoring cloth carrier bags at a busy workstation. Kaga's display included appliqué works, apparel, and small paintings featuring stuffed-toy anime figures in somber, old-masterly compositions that reflect his upbringing. The Positions section, known for solo installations by emerging artists, also featured Paulo Vivacqua from Laura Marsiaj gallery in Rio de Janeiro, who brought beach elements into the convention center. LaToya Ruby Frazier, represented by Michel Rein gallery in Paris, contributed stark black-and-white works depicting working-class realities, contrasting with Miami's festive atmosphere. The event took place in 2012, with Kaga's booth generating curiosity due to the gallery's name, mother's tankstation, creating a playful confusion between exhibit and exhibitor.