Asian Art Resource Room

Demonstrations against Marcos regime

The large demonstrations against the Marcos regime occur and continue until March (First Quarter Storm).

King Sihanouk overthrown

Prime Minister Lon Nol overthrows King Sihanouk.

Osaka Expo ’70

The Japan World Exposition (Osaka Expo ’70) is held between March 15 and September 13.

Indonesian artists in Osaka Expo

Indonesian Pavilion in Osaka Expo exhibits contemporary works (Mar. 15–Sep. 13, Indonesian Pavilion)

Korean artists in Osaka Expo

Korean Pavilion in Osaka Expo exhibits contemporary works(Mar. 15–Sep. 13, Korean Pavilion)

Asian artists disappear in Tokyo Biennale

The 10th International Exhibition, Japan [Tokyo Biennale]: Man and Matters (May 10–30, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum)
Tours to Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka. Commissioner: Nakahara Yusuke.

Korean Art Grand Award Exhibition, Kim Kulim’s challenging installation removed

Korean Art Grand Award Exhibition, the first open-call based exhibition organized by the Hankook Ilbo, is held (Jun. 9–Jul. 9 at National Museum of Contemporary Art, Seoul). Kim Whanki receives the Grand Prize with Where, in What Form, Shall We Meet Again. Kim Kulim is invited to participate, yet his work From Phenomenon to Traces, an installation to wrap the museum building with white cloth, is removed by the organizer.

Hikosaka Naoyoshi on Lee Ufan

Hikosaka Naoyoshi’s essay “Criticism on Lee Ufan: Fascism in Internal Crisis of ‘Expression'” is published in Design Critic, No. 12.

Yoshida Katsuro awarded in the Print Biennale

The 1st Seoul International Print Biennale (Nov. 2–30, Dokseugung Art Museum)
Organized by the Dong-a Ilbo (newspaper). Yoshida Katsuro is awarded the Grand Prize.

Exhibition of Contemporary Indian Paintings

Contemporary Indian Paintings (Nov. 3–29, National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo)
Co-organized by the museum and Indian Embassy. Tours to Kyoto City Art Museum （Jan. 24 – Feb. 14, 1971).

NPAA’71 established

Nagkakaisang Progresibong Artista at Arkitekto ’71 (NPAA’71, United Progressive Artists and Architects) is founded.

A new economic policy including Bumiputera

A new economic policy is formulated to eliminate the economic disparities between Malays and Chinese, including the preferential treatment of Bumiputera (Malays).

V-10 group established

10 photographers, including Chang Chaotang, Chuang Ling, and Guo Yingsheng, form Visual-10 Group. Rebelling against the salon photography, they seek to unify various genres, such as art, film, and theater. They hold the exhibition, V-10/Womanology, at Ling-yun Gallery.

SKIB, the first avant-garde art group in Nepal, established

Shashi Shah, Krishna Manandhar, Indra Pradhan, and Batsa Gopal Vaidya form SKIB, the first avant-garde art group in Nepal. The group continues organizing exhibitions until 1978.

Lee Ufan’s In Search of Encounter published

Lee Ufan’s In Search of Encounter: At the Dawn of a New Art is published from Tabata Shoten. Its translation is published in the 4th issue of the bulleting AG in Seoul.

Japanese and South Korean artists in Triennale India

The 2nd Triennale-India 1971 (Jan. 31–Mar. 31, Lalit Kala Akademi)
Commissioner for Japanese artists is Tomiyama Hideo. Korea’s first participation with Suh Saeok as commissioner.

Collective musical performance by José Maseda

José Maseda’s Cassetes 100 performance (Cultural Center of the Philippines)

Thawan Duchanee’s works vandalized

At the exhibition of Thawan Duchanee at the Student Christian Center, Bangkok, ten works are destroyed because the expressions of nudity and violence are considered to be blasphemy against Buddhism.

Alpha Gallery opens

Alpha Gallery, the first artist run gallery in Singapore, opens and holds its opening exhibition.

Change of Chinese representative in U.N.

Taiwan withdraws from the United Nations and the People’s Republic of China joined United Nations.

The first exhibition of Dharma Group

Dharma Group is founded by Pratuang Emjaroen holds its first exhibition from December 2 to January 2 at Tawich Kuling Pratoum Building, Bangkok.

The third Indo-Pakistani War, Bangladesh wins independence from Pakistan

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 occurs during the Bangladesh Liberation War in East Pakistan. Bangladesh gains independence on December 16.

Brunei Museum opens its annex

The new building of the Brunei Museum is inaugurated and used for exhibitions and contests that require a large space.

Japan and Mongolia establishes the diplomatic relation

Japan established the diplomatic relation with Mongolia,

“Wandering in India” published

Photographer Fujiwara Shin’ya publishes Wandering in India.

Chung Sanghwa exhibition

Chung Sanghwa Works (Mar. 13–19, Muramatsu Gallery)

Suh Seungwon exhibition

Suh Seungwon Exhibition (May 8–14, Muramatsu Gallery)

David Medalla in documenta 5

A Filipino artist, David Medalla, is invited to the documenta 5 and exhibits his works including Cloud Towers: Homage to Lu Xun and Stitch in Time at the “People’s Participation Pavilion” with John Dugger.

Marcos declares martial law toward his dictatorship

Ferdinand Marcos declares martial law for his development dictatorship. The state seeks to promote the cultural activities that contribute to build new society.

The Japan Foundation

The Japan Foundation is established.

Park Chunghee declares martial law and begins “Reformation”

Park Chunghee declares emergency martial law and revises the Constitution for the 4th Republic. The direct election of the presidency is abolished, thus aiming at forming a permanent regime to create a “Reformation.”

Minestriasl Conference on Asian Culture

Masuda Yoshinobu, as a representative of International Association of Art (IAA), proposes demands of Asian artists at the Minestriasl Conference on Asian Culture.

Committee for Constructing Fukuoka Art Museum founded

The Preparatory Office for Constructing Fukuoka Art Museum and the Experts Committee for Constructing Fukuoka Art Museum (Koike Shinji, Kawakita Michiaki, and Machidori Kikuta) are founded.

The Second Indochina War ends

The Paris Peace Accords are signed. As a result, U.S. troops are completely withdrawn from Vietnam by March 29, and the Second Indochina War ends.

Jokyo Gekijo (Situation Theater) in Dhaka

Theater Bengali Tiger is performed (Mar. 16–17, Buddhist temple behind Dhaka Station).

IAA congress argues the importanedc of “cultural identity” in art

The International Association of Art holds its 7th congress in Bulgaria and resolves to emphasize “cultural identity.”

Kim Kulim exhibition

Kim Kulim Exhibition (May 21–27, Shirota Gallery)

Park Seobo Exhibition (1973)

Park Seobo Exhibition (Jun. 18–24, Muramatsu Gallery)

First Lee Ufan Exhibition at Tokyo Gallery

Lee Ufan Exhibition (Sep. 10–22, Tokyo Gallery)

Korean Culture and Arts Foundation established

Korean Culture and Arts Foundation is established, opening Art Center in March next year.

Bloody Sunday Incident

The Day of Great Sorrow (Bloody Sunday Incident). Students in demonstration against the military dictatorship of Prime Minister Thanom Kittikachorn are shot by the military, which results in the resignation of Thanom’s regime, and beginning of democratization.

Alternative space Shop 6 opens

An alternative space, Shop 6, opens in Manila and hosts the exhibition of twelve young artists curated by Roberto Chabet.

Oki Masahiro’s first visit to India

Oki Masahiro, photographer, pays his first visit to India. Thereafter he visits India more than 100 times.

Yokoo Tadanori’s first visit to India

Yokoo Tadanori pays his first visit to India.

Anti-Japan demonstrations

Prime Minister Tanaka Kakuei visits Thailand and meets anti-Japan demonstrations and riots in Bangkok.

Anti-Japan riot in Indonesia

Prime Minister Tanaka Kakuei visits Indonesia and meets students’ riot against Japan (Malali Incident).

The Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma founded

The Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma is founded (until 1988).

The Bhirasri Institute of Modern Art opens

The Bhirasri Institute of Modern Art opens (ended in 1988).

“Toward a Mystical Reality” exhibition focuses on Asian philosophy, condemning the imitation of Western art

Sulaiman Esa and Redza Piyadasa hold the exhibition Toward a Mystical Reality between August 2 and 7 at the Institute of Language and Literature in Kuala Lumpur. Criticizing the imitation of Western art based on a science-oriented view and anthropocentrism, they focus on Asian philosophy, such as Zen, and release their manifest that provokes the experience of real space with temporality. Salleh Ben Joned urinates on a copy of the manifesto, causing a controversy among artists, critics, and poets.

Moon Seungkeun Exhibition

Moon Seungkeun Exhibition (Aug. 5–11, Muramatsu Gallery)

Street exhibition by the United Artists’ Front

The United Artists’ Front of Thailand displays more than 1,000 paintings and posters on Rajadamnern Avenue to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the student protest that ended the military regime.

Kim Kulim Exhibition

Kim Kulim Exhibition (Nov. 18–23, Nirenoki Gallery)

“Black December” manifesto against the judges in Jakarta Painting Biennale

Artists against the judicial selection of the winner of The 2nd Jakarta Painting Biennale (the Great Indonesian Painting Exhibition) declare their manifesto “Black December” and send the prize-winners the funeral flower with the message “Our sincere condolences to the death of art.”

Unofficial exhibition of the No Name Group

Unofficial exhibition of the No Name (Wu Ming) Group is held at the painter Zhang Wei’s apartment in Beijing.

Kazi Ghiyasuddin visits Japan

Kazi Ghiyasuddin visits Japan with the fellowship by the Ministry of Culture, Japan.
Obtains Ph.D. at Tokyo University of Fine Arts and Music in 1985. Holds many solo exhibitions in Japan.

Khmer Rouge occupies Phnom Penh

Pol Pot–led Khmer Rouge occupies Phnom Penh.

Exhibition of Chinese Woodcuts

The Exhibition of Chinese Woodcuts donated by Uchiyama Kakitsu: Form Lu Xun’s Woodcut Workshop to the Period of Liberation War (Apr. 19–May 18, Museum of Modern Art, Kamakura)

North Vietnam occupies Saigon

North Vietnam occupies Saigon (present-day Ho Chi Minh), and South Vietnam surrenders unconditionally. Later, the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam gains sovereignty over South Vietnam.

Magazine “Artist” begins publication

Magazine Yishujia (Artist) begins publication.

First exhibition of Korean monochrome painting in Japan

Five Hinsek ‘White’: Five Korean Artists (May 6–24 at Tokyo Gallery) introduces monochrome painting to Japan for the first time.

Indira Gandhi declares a state of emergency

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declares a state of emergency (until Mar. 21, 1977).

New Art Movement begins

The first exhibition by the “New Art Movement” (Gerakan Seni Rupa Baru) with the artworks of the students from Akademi Seni Rupa Indonesia and Bandung Institute of Technology is held at the Jakarta Art Center.

The monarchy abolished, People’s Democratic Republic as a socialist country

As the monarchy is abolished, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is established as a socialist country.

Moon Seungkeun Exhibition

Moon Seungkeun Exhibition (Dec. 8–13, Shinanobashi Gallery Apron)
Letter Globe is exhibited.

Chung Sanghwa Exhibition

Chung Sanghwa Exhibition (Feb. 2–8, Muramatsu Gallery)

The first Tiananmen Incident. Members of Stars and No Name join.

The first Tiananmen Incident occurs, and the people’s protest against the government’s control over Cultural Revolution criticisms are brutally suppressed. The Stars Art Group and the No Name Group members participate in the protest.

First Kim Tschang-yeul Exhibition at Tokyo Gallery

Kim Tschang-yeul Exhibition (Apr. 5–24. Tokyo Gallery, Kaneko Art Gallery)

Yun Hyungkeun Exhibition

Yun Hyungkeun Exhibition (Jun. 21–27, Muramatsu Gallery)

North and South merged to form the Socialist Republic

North and South Vietnam merge to form the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Mao Zedong dies

Mao Zedong dies, and the Cultural Revolution ends.

The Gang of Four arrested

The Gang of Four (Zhang Chunqiao, Wang Hongwen, Jiang Qing, and Yao Wenyuan) are arrested, and Hua Guofeng becomes the chairman of the Communist Party.

Third Dharma Group Exhibition supressed and the group dissolves.

The Third Dharma Group Exhibition is held at Bhirasri Institute of Modern Art. Reacting to the massacre at Thammasat University, the group takes down and burns political works, including the Thammasak Booncherd’s large-scale woodcut print, Wheel of History. The rest of their works are confiscated by the police. The group is disbanded after the incident.

Bloody Wednesday incident. Many demostrators against the return of Thanom are killed

The Thammasat University massacre (Bloody Wednesday) occurs. Demonstrations by the leftist students and laborers protesting the return of former Prime Minister Thanom Kittikachorn are interrupted by the police, causing the brutal murder of the protestors who have occupied the university.

Kaisahan group established

An artist group, Kaisahan (Unity), is formed, propelling the social realism in painting.

IAA Japan Committee despatches a research team to India etc.

The International Association of Art Japan sends Western-style painters, Ishikawa Shigehiko, Maeda Josaku, and the director Kurata Heikichi to Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka between January 7 and 28. They give a talk about the trip on April 4 at the Artists Hall, Ginza, Tokyo.

Meeting for report of South Asian art research

Ishikawa Shigehiko and Maeda Josaku report their research of art in Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, at Artists Hall Gallery.
Maeda records Koike Shinji attends and tells “We have to turn more attention to Asian contemporary art.”

Two person exhibition of Thai and Malaysian artists.

Two person exhibition of Damrong Wong-Uparaj (Thailand) and Lee Kiang Seng (Malaysia) (Apr. 4–6, 6th Fl. Gallery, Artists Hall)
The artists are invited by the Japan Foundation.

JAALA established

The Japan, Afro-Asian, Latin American Artists Association (JAALA) is established. Hariu Ichiro serves as a chairman, Tomiyama Taeko and Mizutani Isao as vice chairpersons, and Fukuda Kota as secretary.

Sri Lankan artist in Christian Art Exhibition

The 5th Christian Art Exhibition (Jul. 9–15, Nichido Salon)
Nalini Jayasuriya’s works are exhibited. She visits Japan invited by Prof. Takenaka, Faculty of Theology, Doshisha University, and holds her solo exhibition in Kyoto.

The National Gallery opens

The National Gallery, Thailand, opens in Bangkok.

Asian Art Exhibition becomes the inaugural exhibition of the Fukuoka Art Museum

The Contemporary American Art Exhibition, originally planned for the inaugural exhibition of the Fukuoka Art Museum, is cancelled to have the Asian Art Exhibition instead.

Shim Moonseup Exhibition

Shim Moonseup Exhibition (Aug. 15–21, Muramatsu Gallery)
Held as a part of Korean Contemporary Art Exhibition organized by Tokyo Gallery and Kaneko Art Gallery.

Kim Whanki Exhibition

Kim Whanki Exhibition (Aug. 15–31, Tokyo Gallery)

Exhibition of Korean art in Japan

Korea: Facet of Contemporary Art is held (Aug. 16–28 at Tokyo Central Museum of Art).

Fukuoka Mayor announces Asian Art Exhibition as the inaugural exhibition of the Fukuoka Art Museum

Artists from Western Japan form the Asian Art Committee and submit a request to Shinto Kazuma, mayor of Fukuoka. Accordingly, Mayor Shinto announces on the 29th that the inaugural exhibition of the Fukuoka Art Museum is Asian art exhibition.

First Park Seobo Exhibition at Tokyo Gallery

Park Seobo Exhibition (Jun. 5–17, Tokyo Gallery)

The 1st Third World and Us

The 1st The Third World and Us Exhibition: Rehabilitation of Human and Nature (Jul. 12–13, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum)

Yoon Hyung-keun Exhibition

Yoon Hyung-keun Exhibition (Sep. 1–16, Tokyo Gallery)

Newsletter “Suigyu” begins publication

Suigyu (Buffalo), bimonthly newsletter for Asian culture, begins publication.

Articles include reports on Thai Artist Front (Huwa Mari), Kim Jiha and Korean theater (Kubo Satoru), Philippine revolutionary theater (Terami Motoe) , and woodcuts by Oyobe Katsuto. Musician Takahashi Yuji joins editing.

Continues until the 5th issue, June 1, 1979.

Exhibition of Kaisahan artists in Japan

Kaisahan Travelling Art Exhibition is held (Oct 17–19 at Doshisha University, Kyoto). The exhibition features  paintings by the Kaisahan members, including Edgar Fernandez and Jose Tence Ruiz. Fernandez visits Japan during the show. The exhibition tours to the Kansai Seminar House in Kyoto and then to Nishinomiya, Sendai, Fukushima, Yokohama, and Tokyo.

Deng Xiaoping regime toward the reform and opening-up policy

The Deng Xiaoping regime is established, shifting from the Cultural Revolution to the reform and opening-up policy.

Literary journal “Today” begins publication

A literary journal Jintian (Today ) is published by Huang Rui, Bei Dao, and Mang Ke (until Sep 1980). They put up a wallposter on the Democracy Wall. Qu Leilei, Ma Dasheng, and Huang Rui provide illustrations and design.

Silpakorn University Art Centre opens

Silpakorn University Art Centre opens and begins exhibiting the works of local and international artists.

“Appearance and Soul” exhibition curated by Syed Ahmad Jamal

Rupa dan Jiwa (Appearance and Soul) is held at National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. The exhibition is curated by Syed Ahmad Jamal and becomes the pioneering exhibition featuring the visual languages based on Malay culture.

China–U.S. diplomatic relations begins

China formally establishes diplomatic relations with the United States.

Khmer Rouge regime overthrown

The Khmer Rouge regime is overthrown by the invasion of the Vietnamese army that began in December of the previous year.

Sino-Vietnamese War

The Sino-Vietnamese War breaks out (until Mar 16).

U.S. ends diplomatic relations with Taiwan

The United States officially cuts off diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Lee Ufan Exhibition

Lee Ufan Exhibition (Apr. 23–May 5, Muramatsu Gallery)

The 1st exhibition of Gangaw Village Art Group

The 1st exhibition by the Gangaw Village Art Group is held at the first Department of Medicine Dome of Rangoon Arts and Sciences University (present-day Yangon University). The group is formed mainly by the students of Rangoon Arts and Sciences University. The group continues until today.

The first official exhibition of No Name Group

The No Name Group Exhibition by Zhao Wenliang, Yang Yushu, and others is held on July 13–29 at Huafangzhai in Beihai Park, Beijing. The exhibition preview is held from the 7th, and Liu Haisu visits on the 9th. The group becomes the first independent group that seeks art for the sake of art.

Magazine “Formosa” begins publication and anti-Kuomintang demonstration mobilized

The anti-Kuomintang magazine Formosa is published. According to the call from the magazine, a demonstration occurs in Kaohsiung, causing hundreds to be injured from police crackdowns (Formosa Incident).

The First Stars Exhibition supressed

The First Xingxing (Stars) Exhibition is held (Sep. 27–Oct. 3 at the outdoor wall of the National Art Museum of China, Beijing). The group issues the statement that Picasso is their pioneer. The police interrupt the exhibition on the 28th, arresting Ma Desheng and Huang Rui. On the 29th, the exhibition is suspended, and the works are confiscated by the police.

Gwangju Free Artists Association established

Hong Sungdam and others establish the Gwangju Free Artists Association (dismantled in 1985).

A painting depicting the tragedy of the Cultural Revolution appears

In the art exhibition celebrating the thirty-year anniversary of the foundation of the Sichuan Province in Chongqing, Cheng Conlin exhibits the work, The Snow on a Certain Day in 1968. The work is noted as depicting the tragedy of the Cultural Revolution.

The street demonstration by Stars members

The Xingxing members hold the demonstration in Beijing against the government’s interruption of their exhibition, which is the first public demonstration since the establishment of People’s Republic of China. Wang Keping puts up the banner with the slogan “Demand democracy in politics and freedom in art.”

Ha Chonhyun Exhibition

Ha Chonhyun Exhibition (Oct. 1–6, Muramatsu Gallery)

Solo show of a Bangladesh artists

Japan 1979 Fifteenth One Man Show by Qalon (Oct. 1–6, Gallery Toshin)
Sponsored by the Japan Foundation and the Japan Artists Association.

Large street demonstrations for democracy

Large street demonstrations of students and citizens take place in Busan and Masan (Buma Situation).

President Park Chunghee assassinated

President Park Chunghee is assassinated by the director of the KCIA (Korea Central Intelligence Agency).

Lee Kangso Exhibition

Lee Kangso Exhibition (Oct. 29–Nov. 3, Muramatsu Gallery)

Fukuoka Art Museum opens the exhibition of modern art from three Asian countris as its inaugural exhibition

Fukuoka Art Museum’s inaugural exhibition, Asian Artists Exhibition Part I: Modern Asian Art – India, China and Japan, is held between November 3 and December 2.

Reality and Utterance group established, the origin of People’s Art

The artist’s group, Reality and Utterance, is formed. The group is the origin of Minjung Misul (People’s Art).

The Democracy Wall is closed

The Democracy Wall in Xidan Street is closed down.

Chun Doohwan seizes power

Chun Doohwan seizes power in a coup d’état.

The first Grass Society Exhibition suppressed

The first CaoCao (Grass) Society Exhibition, Art for the 1980s, is held at Luwan District Clture Center, Shanghai. The exhibition is scheduled to run until March 9 but is closed midway through and is criticized by the authorities as bourgeois liberalism.

The articles on nude paintings in magazine “Art” causese controversy

The monthly magazine Meishu (Art) publishes nude paintings intensively, causing controversy.

Gwangju Democratizing Movement

The Gwangju Democratizing Movement (Gwangju Uprising) occurs. As martial law is expanded at 00:00, the martial law troops (paratroopers) begin massacres and atrocities against students and citizens. Hong Sungdam later conveys the incident nationally and internationally with his print series.

The 2nd Third World and Us with Thai works

The 2nd Third World and Us Exhibition (Jul. 11–20, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum)
Includes 90 works by Thai artists. Thai painter/poet Tepsili Suuk Sopa is invited.

Nam June Paik Exhibition

Nam June Paik Exhibition (Sep. 11–25, Gallery Watari)

Choi Myoung-young Exhibition

Choi Myoung-young Exhibition (Sep. 15–20, Muramatsu Gallery)

Park Sukwon Exhibition

Park Sukwon Exhibition (Sep. 15–20, Muramatsu Gallery)

Reality and Utterance exhibition refused

The Reality and Utterance Exhibition is held at Art Hall, Korean Culture and Arts Foundation in Seoul. Permission to use the venue is revoked, but the show continues for about two hours under candlelight. The works are re-exhibited at the Dongsanbang Gallery on Nov 13–19.

Fukuoka Art Museum holds the first exhibtion of contemporary Asian art

The Commemorative Exhibition of the 1st Anniversary of the Fukuoka Art Museum, Asian Artists Exhibition Part II, Contemporary Asian Art Show is held between November 1 and 30. The symposium entitled “What must be done for the future of Asian tradition and art which have been changed under the influence of Western art?” is on Nov. 3.

Asian Art Bangladesh begins as the Asia’s first biennale

Asian Art Bangladesh is held on January 4–31 at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka. The exhibition becomes the Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh in 1983 and continues until today.

Rally to support the democratization of South Korea

International Emergency Rally to Support the Democratization of South Korea (May 16–19, Social and Cultural Hall, Japan Education Hall)
Lee Ungno’s Massacre of Good People is used in the poster.
Three-day academic conference on 17–19. Yoon Isang’s concert (see the next for details) and Lee Ungno’s exhibition. Theater on 19. Regional report rallies are held on 21–25.

Concert for Supporting Gwangju Movement

“Long Live Gwangju”, Concert by Yoon Isang and Takahashi Yuji (Hibiya Public Hall)
As a part of International Emergency Rally to Support the Democratization of South Korea

Japan-North Korea Exhibition

Japan Art Society participates in Japan-Joseon Friendship Art Exhibition (Jun. 1–14)
IIjima Shun’ichi and Fujiwara Bon visit the exhibition as representative of the Japan Art Society.

Mahathir bin Mohamad becomes prime minister

Mahathir bin Mohamad becomes prime minister and starts promoting industrialization through foreign investments.

Korea-Japan Painting Exhibition begins in Fukuoka

The 1st Korea Japan Painting Exhibition (Sep. 4–9, Korea Culture and Arts Foundation)
The exhibition begins with artists exchange at the Asian Contemporary Art exhibition at the Fukuoka Art Museum held previous year. It continues annually in Seoul or Fukuoka.

Zao Wou-ki Exhibition

Zao Wou-ki Exhibition: Oil and Ink Painting (Oct. 6–21, Fukuoka Art Museum)
Tours to Fukui, Kyoto, Kamakura.

Lee Doosik Exhibition

Rhee (Lee) Doosik Exhibition (Oct. 19–31, Muramatsu Gallery)

ASEAN touring exhibition

ASEAN Exhibition of Painting, Graphic Arts and Photography 1981 is held, touring to Singapore, Indonesia, and Philippines.

Five Arts Centre opens

An experimental theater, Five Arts Centre, is opens in Kuala Lumpur.

5th Triennale India

The 5th Triennale India (Mar. 15–, Lalit Kala Akademi)
Commissioner for Japanese artists is Masuda Hiromi.

Korean Contemporary Art Exhibition

Aspects of Korean Contemporary Art (Mar. 22–28, Kyoto City Art Museum)

Museum of Indian folk art opens

Mithila Museum opens.

The 3rd Third World and Us with Thai works

The 3rd Third World and Us: Anti Nuclear- Huma Being and Nature is held (Jul. 13–23 at Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum). Santi Isrowuthakul and Sathaporn Chaiyaseth are invited from Thailand. Symposium, Seminar, one-person theater are held.

Thai works tours to Sakaimachi Gallery, Kyoto.

Japan-Korea Sculpture Exhibition begins in Fukuoka

The 1st Exhibition of Japan-Korea Contemporary Sculpture (Jul. 20–Aug. 1, Fukuoka Art Museum)
It continues annually in Seoul or Fukuoka.

Thai Artists Group Exhibition

Contemporary Thai Art: Thai Independent Artists Group (Aug. 31–Sep. 12, Sakaimachi Gallery)

People’s Art Group “Imsulnyeon” founded

Imsulnyeon is founded (continued until 1987), and their first exhibition, 98,999km², is held from October 29 to November 3 at the Deoksugung Museum in Seoul.

Hur Hwang Exhibition

Hur Hwang Exhibition (Dec. 6–11, Muramatsu Gallery)

Japanese artists in Thai art exhibition

32 Japanese artists from JAALA participate in Thai Contemporary Art exhibition (Dec. 14–31, Shilpakorn University)
Takahashi Shohachi, Miyagi Teruo, and Hara Koreo are invited.

Artist group of political tendencies formed

The Concerned Artists of the Philippines is founded.

Chiang Mai University founds art department

Chiang Mai University founds its Department of Art.

Chulalongkorn University founds art department

Chulalongkorn University founds its Department of Fine and Applied Arts.

Indonesian Institute of the Arts established

Akademi Seni Rupa Indonesia and Akademi Musik Indonesia are merged into the Institut Seni Indonesia (Indonesian Institute of the Arts) Yogyakarta. The institute later opens its branch in Denpasar (2003), Surakarta (2006), and Padang Panjang (2010).

Li Xianting focues on abstract art in Art, causing controvercy

Li Xianting, an editor in chief of Art, publishes an article featuring abstract art, which causes a controversy. Li is taken down from the editorial position after the incident.

Kazi Giyasudding Exhibition

Kazi Giyas Udding Exhibition (Jan. 17–29, Marunouchi Gallery)

Thai Contemporary Art Exhibition

Thai Contemporary Art Exhibition (Feb. 6–16, Enba Hall) approx. 30 works

Korean and Japanese paper works

New Paper Works: Korea and Japan (Apr. 2–May 8, Musem of Modern Art, Saitama)
Tours to Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Center (May 26–Jun. 7).

Contemporary Korean Art Exhibition

Contemporary Korean Art Exhibition (May 23–28, Tokyo Gallery)

Tour of Korean art exhibition in Japan

Korean Contemporary Arts Exhibition: An Aspect in the Latter Half of the 70s, is held from June 11 to July 10 at Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and tours to the National Museum of Art, Osaka, Tochigi Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts, Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, and Fukuoka Art Museum.

Mohammad Kibria Exhibition

Mohammad Kibria Exhibition (Jun. 27–Jul. 9, Marunouchi Gallery)

Zao Wou-ki exhibition in China

Zao Wou-ki (Zhao Wuji), the Parisian Abstract Expressionist painter, holds his solo exhibition at the National Art Museum of China, Beijing.

Benigno Aquino Jr. assassinated

Benigno Aquino Jr., an anti-Marcos leader, is assassinated upon his return from the U.S.

Lee Chungji Exhibition

Lee Chungji Exhibition (Sep. 26–Oct. 1, Muramatsu Gallery)

2nd Bangladesh Biennial

The 2nd Asian Art Biennial Bangladesh (Nov. 28–Dec. 27, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy)
Commissioner for Japanese artists is Yasunaga Koichi.

Taipei Fine Arts Museum opens

The Taipei Fine Arts Museum opens.

Brunei gains independence

Brunei gains its independence from the U.K. and joins ASEAN.

Kazi Giyas Udding Exhibition

Kazi Giyas Udding Exhibition (Apr. 2–May 31, Marunouchi Gallery)

People’s Art group Dureong established

Inaugural Exhibition of Dureong, an exhibition by the group, Dureong, founded by Kim Bongjun and others, is held from April 21 to 26 at Kyung-in Art Museum, Seoul.

Indian Section in Tokyo Biennale

The 15th International Exhibition, Japan [Tokyo Biennale] (Apr. 25–May 10, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum)
The Indian Section tours to Iwaki and Fukuoka.

The National Gallery moves and enlarges

The National Gallery is moved to the old Majestic Hotel building, making the museum ten times larger and able to accommodate seven times more visitors.

Kim Taeho Exhibition

Kim Taeho Exhibition (Jun. 25–31, Muramatsu Gallery)

Chung Kyung-yeun Exhibition

Chung Kyung-yeun Fiber Art Exhibition (Jul. 2–9, Muramatsu Gallery)

The 4th Third World and Us with Philippine works

Renaissance to Democracy!! The 4th Third World and Us Exhibition, Revive the Democracy (Jul. 11–21, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum)
With a special exhibits for Philippine and Palestine works. Papo de Alvis and Renato Habulan were invited from the Philippines.
Workshop, Talk, Symposium

Korean Contemporary Art Exhibition

Korean Contemporary Art Exhibition (Aug. 6–11, Contemporary Art Center, Osaka)

Indian Contemporary Art Exhibition

Indian Contemporary Art Exhibition: Half a Century of Indian Painting (Aug. 25–Sep. 16, Iwaki City Art Museum)
Tours to Fukuoka Art Museum etc,

Suh Seungwon Exhibition

Suh Seungwon Exhibition (Sep. 3–8, Muramatsu Gallery)

New Year Painting from Suzhou

New Year Painting from Suzhou, China: Prayer and Joy of People, 400 Years of Folk Painting (Sep. 22–Oct. 14, Tokyo Central Annex)
Tours to Mie Prefectural Art Museum; Museum of Modern Art, Gunma; Kobe City Museum; Iwaki City Art Museum; Fukuoka Art Museum. Co-organized by the Japan Foundation and China Exhibition Agency.

Exhibition of Korean woman artists

7 Woman Artists of Korean Contemporary Art (Oct. 8–13, Muramatsu Gallery)

Pinaglabanan Galleries founded

Pinaglabanan Galleries are founded by Agnes Arellano and her husband, Michael Adams. Bobby Chabet serves as the first director.

Fukuoka Art Museum presents contemporary art, folk art, and print

The Commemorative Exhibition of the 5th Anniversary of the Fukuoka Art Museum, Let’s Meet with Asian Art: Traditions & Today (Oct. 24–Nov. 18) is held in four sections each featuring Indian contemporary art (see the next for details), India’s Mithila Painting, Chinese modern contemporary woodcut works, and Suzhou New Year Paintings.

Tradition and Modernity in Indian art

Exhibition of Contemporary Indian Paintings (Oct. 24–Nov. 18, Fukuoka Art Museum)
Co-organized by the Japan Foundation and the Mainichi Shimbun,.

Indira Gandhi assassinated

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is assassinated, and her son, Rajiv Gandhi, becomes the prime minister.

Indian early modern art exhibition

Dawn of Asian Modern Art: Japan and India after Okakura Tenshin (Mar. 13–Apr. 16, National Museum of Modern Art, Osaka)
Tours to Shimonoseki, Utsunomiya, Tokyo.

Conference on Oil Painting officially guarantees freedom of expression

The Huangshan Conference on Oil Painting guarantees a great deal of freedom of expression. The conference is organized by Chinese National Academy of Arts Fine Art Research Center, Central Academy of Fine Arts, Beijing Fine Art Academy, Chna Artists Association Anhui Branch, and Art History Editorial Department.

Liu Haisu Exhibition

Liu Haisu Chinese Painting Exhibition (May 9–14,
Takashimaya Department Store, Nihonbashi)

The 85 Art Movement develops in many cities

Advancing Chinese Youth Art Exhibition is held (May 10–26 at National Art Museum of China, Beijing). The 85 Art Movement gains momentum in China through a series of exhibitions that take place in Beijing and Guangzhou’s 85 New Space.

Lee Chungji Exhibition

Lee Chungji (Sep. 9–14, Muramatsu Gallery)

Exhibition of Japanese Painters held in India

Japanese Contemporary Painting (Oct. 17–Dec. 1, National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi)

Ma Desheng and Huang Rui Exhibition

Ma Desheng and Huang Rui Ink Painting Exhibition
(Oct. 21–26, Contemporary Art Center, Osaka)

The 2nd Asian Art Show by Fukuoka Art Museum

The 2nd Asian Art Show (Nov. 2–Dec. 1, Fukuoka Art Museum), with 268 artists from 13 countries, is held with the special exhibition Art of Bali. Along with the exhibitions, Asia Festival and the symposium “Contemporary Asian Art: Its Future Perspective” are held. The exhibited works are divided into two and tour to the prefectures in Kyushu as Asian Contemporary Art Exhibition. The exhibition also tours to the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Korea (Aug. 26–Dec. 25, 1986).

Lee Ung-no, Park Inkyung Exhibition

Lee Ung-no, Park Inkyung Exhibition (Nov. 12–22, Gallery San’yo)

An exhibition of Rauschenberg in Beijing causes Pop Art boom in China

Rauschenberg Overseas Culture Interchange (ROCI) is held (Nov. 18–Dec. 8, National Art Museum of China, Beijing). The exhibition causes an impact on Chinese art history by introducing works using various mediums and styles, such as collage, assemblage, and photography. The exhibition triggers a Pop Art boom in the Chinese art world. The exhibition also tours to Lhasa from December 2 to 23 at Xizang Exhibition Hall.

Shim Moonsup’s first solo exhibition at Tokyo Gallery

Shim Moonsup Exhibition (Nov. 18–30, Tokyo Gallery)

Council of National Art People founded as the united front of People’s Art

The founding conference of the Council of National Art People is held at Yeoido Hundred Women Hall in Seoul. Son Jangseob is appointed as the director, Kim Yongtae as the secretary general, and Choi Yeol as the project inspector.

Institute of Visual Media established

Hong Sungdam and members of the Gwangju Free Artists Association form the Institute of Visual Media (continued until 1988).

Kazi Giyas Udding Exhibition

Kazi Giyas Udding Exhibition: Bengali Spirit (Dec. 4–27, Marunouchi Gallery)

Baguio Arts Guild founded

The Baguio Arts Guild is founded.

The First National Art Exhibition in Laos

The 1st National Art Exhibition, an open call-based exhibition open both to professional and amateur artists, is held.

Exhibition of Japanese and Korean Woman Artists

Nine Viewpoints: Expression of Japanese and Korean Woman Artists (Jan. 6–18, Muramatsu Gallery)

Vichoke Mukdamanee Exhibition

Vichoke Mukdamanee Solo Exhibition of Paintings (Feb. 4–6, Art Hall, Tokyo Gagkugei University)

Presidential election

Marcos and Corazon Aquino compete in the presidential election.

Exhibition of Bangladeshi artists

Poem of Bengal: Exhibition of Four Bangladeshi Artists (Feb. 16–22, Gallery Center Point)

Kurim Madang Min founded, as a base for People’s Art

Kurim Madang Min, the gallery that serves a foundational base for People’s Art, is founded in Seoul.

EDSA People’s Revolution. End of Marcos’ dictatorship

EDSA People’s Revolution begins. President Marcos flees to Hawaii on a U.S. military plane.

6th Triennale India

The 6th Triennale India (Feb. 22–Mar. 21, Lalit Kala Akademi)
Commissioner for Japanese artists: Nakamura Hideki.

3rd Bangladesh Biennial

The 3rd Asian Art Biennial Bangladesh (Apr. 6–May 5, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy)
Commissioner for Japanese artists: Nakamura Hideki.

The 5th Third World and Us with Korean Minjung Artists

The 5th Third World and Us Exhibition: Asia for People (Jul. 8–17, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum)
Symposium on Jul, 10, Asia Festival on 13.

Exhibition of Korean Minjung prints

Exhibition of Korean Minjung Prints (Jul. 20–26, Osaka Literature School)

Exhibition of avant-garde art from China in New York

The Avant-garde Chinese Art exhibition is held from July 24 to August 30 at City Gallery, New York.

National Museum of Contemporary Art moves to Kwacheon and holds Asian contemporary art exhibition

National Museum of Contemporary Art is moved to Kwacheon. Asian contemporary art exhibition is held (Aug. 25–Dec. 25) as one of its inaugural exhibitions as the tour of the 2nd Asian Art Show at Fukuoka Art Museum with re-organized Japanese section.

Xiamen Dada exhibition with Huang Youngpin gives a big impact

A contemporary art exhibition by the Xiamen Dada with Huang Youngping is held in Xiamen between September 28 and October 5. Its destructive character and anticultural attitude shock the art world.

Doi Moi begins

The economic reform policy (Doi Moi) begins. A series of movements by the artists called Post Doi Moi (New Change) represents a new era of art, along with Vietnam’s opening to the outside world.

Cai Guoqiang lives in Japan

Cai Guoqiang moves to Japan and lives there until 1995.

Huang Rui Exhibition

Huang Rui Exhibition (Dec. 5–20, Gallery Ueda, Gallery Ueda Warehouse)

Akkitham Narayanan Exhibition

Akkitham Narayanan Exhibition (Dec. 8–17, Gallery Mukai)

Women artists form Kasiburan

Kasiburan, an acronym for Kababaihan sa Sining at Bagong Sibol na Kamalayan (Art and New Consciousness of Women) is founded.

Taiwan Museum of Art opens

The Taiwan Museum of Art (present-day National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts) is opened.

Rasheed Araeen begings publication of The Third Text

Rasheed Araeen begings publication of the art criticism magazine, The Third Text, in London, UK.

The India’s first exhibition of woman artists organized by women

Through the Looking Glass is held at Bharat Bhawan, Bhopal.  The exhibition features female artists organized by females, for the first time in India. The exhibition tours to Bagalore (present-day Bengaluru), Bombay (present-day Mumbai), and New Delhi (until 1989).

Qi Baishi Exhibition

Qi Baishi Exhibition: Treasures of Chinese Painting (Mar. 6–25, Seibu Art Forum)
Organzied by Seibu Museum of Art and The Yomiuri Shimbun.. Tours to Kurayoshii Museum.

Exhibition of two Indian artists

Exhibition of Sculptures and Paintings: Madan Lal and Rajeev Lochan (India) (Mar. 30–Apr. 5, Setagaya Art Museum, Gallery for Citizen-A)
Lochan later becomes a director of the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.

Youn Heechang Exhibition

Youn Heechang (May 4–9, Muramatsu Gallery)

Cai Guoqiang’s first exhibition in Japan

Cai Guoqiang Painting (May 18–Jun. 16, Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan)

Yanawit Kunchaethong Exhibition

Yanawit Kunchaethong Exhibition (Jun. 4–14, Kabutoya Gallery)

“Fantasy World Supermarket” exhibition by the members of the New Art Movement

The members of the New Art Movement are reunited after ten years since the group’s first exhibition. The exhibition, Fantasy World Supermarket (Jun. 15–30, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta), criticizes the consumerism in the Indonesian art world.

The June Democratic Struggle advances democratization

The June Democratic Struggle occurs across the nation. Noh Taewu, a presidential candidate of the ruling party, issues the June 29 Declaration, which comprises the direct election of the president.

Exhibition of a Sri Lankan painter

Sri Lankan Poetry: Winston Suldagoda Exhibition of Paintings (Jun. 30–Jul. 5, Osaka Yomiuri Gallery)
Tours to Nishiharima Culture Hall, Hyogo (Jul. 10 – 20).

Korean artists in “Toyama Now”

Toyama Now ’87 : New Art Around the Pacific (Jul. 4–Sep. 3, The Museum of Modern Art, Toyama)

Martial law lifted

Taiwan officially lifts martial law.

Gerudug Exhibition

Gerudug, Painter from Bali Island (Aug. 31–Sep. 19, Kyoni Gallery [Pent Space])

“Women and Reality” exhibition

The first Women and Reality exhibition is held at Kurim Madang Min, Seoul (Sept. 11–17). The exhibition continues annually until 1994.

Thai Print Exhibition

Asia Now: Contemporary Prints from Thailand (Oct. 13–18, Nagoya City Museum)
Held also at Kabutoya Gallery, Nagoya; Gallery Murazumi, Okazaki.

Noh Taewu elected as president

Noh Taewu is elected as president and serves in this position from Feb. 25, 1988, to Feb. 24, 1993.

The 1st ASEAN Travelling Exhibtiion

The 1st ASEAN Travelling Exhibtiion of Painting, Photography and Children’s Art is held and tours to six countries (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand) in Southeast Asia.

IT Park opens

Artspace, IT Park, opens in Taipei.

Madan Lal Exhibition

Madan Lal: The Most Recent Sculpture Exhibition
(Jan. 11– 23, Gallery Center Point)

Exhibition of 4 Korean Painters

4 Korean Painters (Jan. 25–Feb. 6, Tokyo Gallery)

Roberto Feleo exhibition as the first edition of Asian Artist Today Fukuoka Annual

Asian Artist Today Fukuoka Annual I: Roberto Feleo (Jan. 26–Mar. 13 at Fukuoka Art Museum) is held. This marks the first in a series of the Asian artist’s solo exhibition and continues until the 10th (1997).

The Cemeti Modern Art Gallery founded

The Cemeti Modern Art Gallery is founded in Yogyakarta (Jogjakarta) by Nindityo Adipurnomo and Mella Jaarsma and provides the basis for a wide variety of art. It is later renamed to Cemiti Art House, and reorganized as the Cemeti Institute for Art and Society today.

Indian Tribal Art exhibition as a programn of Festival of India

The Art of Adivasi (Indian Tribal Art) (Apr. 19–May 12 at Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art) is held as a part of the Festival of India and tours to the Museum of Modern Art Saitama (Jun. 17–Aug. 5), Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art (Aug. 11–Sep. 25), and Setagaya Art Museum (Oct. 8–Nov. 3).

Indian Contemporary Art Exhibition as a programn of Festival of India

The Indian Contemporary Art Exhibition (May 13–29 at Takaoka City Museum of Art) is held as a part of Festival of India and tours to Meguro Museum of Art (Jun 11.–Jul. 17) and Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts (Nov. 12–Dec. 11).

Mithila Folk Painting Exhibition

Mithila Folk Painting Exhibition in ’88 Festival of India in Yokohama (May 13–29, Yokohama Civic Gallery), cooperated by Mithila Museum.

Rabindranath Tagore Exhibition

Rabindranath Tagore: His Great Life and Art (May 21– Jun. 27, Seibu Museum of Art)
Organized by the Seibu Museum of Art, Asahi Shimbun, Festival of India (New Delhi)
Tours to Tsukashin Hall, Amagasaki (Jul. 1–26)

Tan Dawu starts Artists Village

Tan Dawu founds an artist studio in Lorong Gambas, providing a studio space for young artists. At their first open studio exhibition in January 1989, they name their space “Artists Village.”

Yogyakarta Biennale begins

Pameran Biennale I Seni Lukis Yogyakarta [Painting Biennale Yogyakarta I] (Jun. 17–24 at Purna Budaya Yogyakarta) is held. The exhibition continues under different names and continues today as Biennale Jogja Equator.

Art museum opens in Taichung

Taiwan Museum of Art opens by the Taiwan Provincial Government
Under the Taiwan Provincial Government’s Department of Education (changed to Department of Culture after 1986). Reopens as National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts in 1999 after the closure for renovation in 1988.

The 6th Third World and Us

The 6th Third World and Us Exhibition: New Wind Blowing in Asia (Jul. 8–17, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum)
Film with lithographs by Tomiyama Taeko is screened.

Large-prodemocracy movement. Gangaw Village suspends its activities

A large-scale prodemocracy movement (8888 Uprising) occurs. The art center at the Rangoon Arts and Sciences University is closed down, and Gangaw Village is suspended (resumed starting in 2000).

Exhibition of People’s Art in Korea

Exhibition of People’s Art in Korea (The Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels)

2000 Years of Chinese Prints

2000 Years of Chinese Prints Part 1: Chinese Contemporary Prints 1931–1987 (Aug. 12–Sep. 18, Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts)
Cooperation by the Japan-China Art Research Society.

Seoul Museum of Art opens

The Seoul Museum of Art opens.

Chang Woosoung Exhibition

Chang Woosoung Exhibition: Master of Korean Painting (Aug. 19–30, Yurakucho Art Forum)

Seoul Olympic

Seoul Olympic is held from Sep. 17 to Oct. 2.

The socialist regime falls

The socialist regime falls, and the Union of Burma is established.

He Duoling Exhibition

Asian Artist Today (Fukuoka Annual) II, He Duo-ling: China- The Depth of Realism (Sep. 27–Nov. 13, Fukuoka Art Museum)

Xu Beihong Exhibition

Xu Beihong Painting Exhibition: Dawn of Chinese Modern Art (Oct. 7–26, Seibu Art Forum)
Organzied by Seibu Museum of Art, the Yomiuri Shimbun, and Xu Beihong Memorial Museum

Solo exhibitions of avant-garde art by Xu Bing and Lu Shengzhong

Xu Bing Woodcut Print Exhibition: A Book From Sky and Lu Shengzhong Paper-Cutting Art Exhibition (Oct. 15–23 at National Art Museum of China, Beijing) is held. The Xu Bing’s exhibition creates a sensation in China’s art world.

Kim Tschang-yeul Exhibition　

Kim Tschang-yeul Exhibition (3rd) (Nov. 14–30, Tokyo Gallery)

Kalidas Karmakar Exhibition

Kalidas Karmakar Exhibition: Bangladeshi Extraordinary Painter (Nov. 28–Dec. 3, Artists Hall Gallery)

Bangladesh Contemporary Art

Bangladesh Contemporary Art Exhibition in Japan 1988 (Dec. 2–10, Meguro Museum of Art)

Cultural democratization

Around this year, a democratization movement occurs in conjunction with the Soviet Union’s perestroika and glasnost policy reform. The movement pushes the historical rediscovery of Genghis Khan as a national hero.

Green Horse Society established

Dalkh-Ochir and other artists found the Green Horse Society. Denying academic realism, they declare aestheticism and create installation works.

National Modern Art Gallery opens in Ulaanbaatar

The Mongolian National Modern Art Gallery opens, by separating the modern section from Zanabazar Museum of Fine Art (founded in 1966).

Fang Lijun and other artists settle in Yuanmingyuan Park

Beijing-based artists including Fang Lijun move to Yuanmingyuan Park.

Inya Gallery of Art founded

The Inya Gallery of Art is founded by the members of the Gangaw Village Art Group including Aung Myint and San Minn.

Exhibition of two Chinese artists

Two Chinese Artists: Fan Zhongming and Lin Lin (Jan. 16–22, Setagaya Art Museum)

Large exhibition as a peak of 1980’s avant-garde art suspended

China Avant-Garde Exhibition (Feb. 5–19 at National Art Museum of China, Beijing) is held. It is historic for the national museum to exhibit many experimental and avant-garde works. Tang Son and Xiao Lu shoot Xiao’s work Dialogue in shape of a telephone booth. The artists are arrested, and the exhibition is suspended in five days. Shortly after the reopening of the exhibition, the museum and police receive a bomb threat. The exhibition is closed again accordingly in two days.

Cai Guoqiang gunpowder painting exhibition

Explosion and Space Holes: Cai Guo-Qiang, Using Gunpowder and Japanese Paper (Mar. 5–17, Gallery Kigoma)

Document exhibition of a sculpture camp in India

India Japan Sculpture Camp Documents (Mar. 13–Apr. 8, GalleryαM)

The government invites the Artists Village

The Artists Village is invited to participate in Art Mart: Singapore International Shopping Festival, the Singapore Tourism Promotion Board’s event.

The first introduction of Chinese avant-garde art in Japan

Toward the 1990s: Documents on Contemporary Chinese Art (Apr. 10–15 at Gallery K and Gallery Kobayashi, Tokyo) is held. The exhibition showcases the archive of the exhibition held in Beijing in February. Chiba Shigeo and Fang Zhongming give a lecture on the 14th.

“Magiciens de la terre,” large and controvercial exhibition of art from non-European world

Magiciens de la terre (Magicians of the Earth, May 18–Aug. 28 at Centre Georges Pompidou, la Villette, Paris) is held. This historic exhibition showcases non-European tribal art on par with European and American contemporary art. It also makes the existence of Chinese avant-garde art internationally known. Huan Yongping makes his international debut and stays in France after the exhibition.

Comissioned Works on Hiroshima

Works on Hiroshima by 78 national and international artists (May 3– Aug. 20, Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art)
Inaugural exhibition of the museum.

Exhibition of Warli Painting

Exhibition of Naive Painting by Warli Tribe, India (May 8–14, La Foret Museum Espace)

Yoon Hyungkeun Exhibition

Yoon Hyung-keun Exhibition (May 22–Jun. 10, Gallery Yamaguchi)

Tiananmen Square Incident

Student-led demonstrations are suppressed by the military (Tiananmen Square Incident).

Exhibition of Chinese Painting

Exhibition of Chinese Modern and Contemporary Painting (Jun. 13–Jul. 23, Shoto Museum of Art)

Yoon Hyungkeun Exhibition

Yoon Hyong-keun 1976-1988 (Jun. 15–30, Gallery Humanité Nagoya)

Nam June Paik Exhibition

Nam June Paik: Family of Robot Tours Around Japan (Jun. 27–Jul. 16, Fukuoka Art Museum)
Cooperated by Watari Sizuko

Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest

Aung San’s daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi, is placed under house arrest.

The 3rd Asian Art Show, with thematic selection of works and printmaking workshop

The 3rd Asian Art Show, Fukuoka: Symbolic Visions in Contemporary Asian Life, commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Fukuoka Art Museum, is held from July 6 to August 13. The Asia Festival and Printmaking Workshop are held during the exhibition. The exhibition tours to the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea (Sep. 7–Oct. 3), and the Yokohama Museum of Art (Nov. 3–Dec. 25).

Ibrahim Hussain Exhibition

Ibrahim Hussain: Leading artists of Malaysian Contemporary Art (Aug. 17–22, Takashimaya Department Store)
Tours to Osaka Branch of Takashimaya. Organized by Mainichi Broadcasting.

Shim Moonsup Exhibition

Shim Moonsup Exhibition (2nd) (Sep. 25–Oct. 7, Tokyo Gallery)

The first ASEAN Symposium on Aesthetics

The first ASEAN Symposium on Aesthetics is held with workshops and an exhibition, Tradition, the Source of Inspiration. Malaysian artists, including Ismail Zain and Wong Hoy Cheong, discuss the link between local art history and modernism. The exhibition tours to Japan in the following May.

Kazi Giyasudding Exhibition

Kazi Giyasudding Exhibition (Oct. 2–28. Kyobi Gallery)

Chung Kyung-yeun Exhibition

Chung Kyung-yeun Exhibition (Oct. 30–Nov. 11, Muramatsu Gallery)

Exhbition of Afro-Asian Artists in Post War Britain

The Other Story: Afro-Asian Artists in Post War Britain (Nov. 29–Feb. 4 at Hayward Gallery in London) is held, curated by Rasheed Araeen.

Chinese delegates of art theoreticians visit Japan

Chinese delegates of art theoreticians visit Japan
They travel in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshinma, Fukuyama, Kurashiki, and Fukuoka for 15 days,

Taiwanese and Korean artists in Ushimado Art Festival, with a report of Chinese art by Cai Guoqiang

The Sixth Japan Ushimado International Art Festival: Young Asian Artists (Nov. 3–5, Ushimado)
Symposium on 4 and 5, with Kuroda Raiji, Cai Guoqiang, Kim Youngsoon, Zhang Yuanqian, Ikeda Masuo, Abe Nobuo, Chiba Shigeo, General producer/coordinator: Okazaki Tamako.

Thavorn Ko-Udomvit Exhibition

Thavorn Ko-Udomvit Prints (Dec. 11–23, Galerie Fukuyama)