Sasaki Kosei - Total Affirmation : OK.PERFECT.YES.

As the second part of a series of events and exhibitions celebrating the opening of the new arts centre 3331 Arts Chiyoda (launched on 14th March 2010 - Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo) we are pleased to announce an exhibition of work by Sasaki Kosei entitled Total Affirmation : OK.PERFECT.YES.

Sasaki Kosei is an artist who has developed an artistic philosophy through participation in the pioneering avant-garde movement of the 1960s "Jack No Kai" and later pursuing an engagement in counter culture in New York in the 1970's. On returning to Japan in the 1980's he severed his ties with the art world but in recent years has begun to paint again. Currently, in the studio he built himself in Akagisanroku, Gunma, Sasaki can be found vigorously wielding a brush.

This exhibition brings together 50 of Sasaki Kosei's giant abstract paintings to reveal the ideology of the affirmation "Ok. Perfect. Yes" and to bring to the fore an aspect of post-war art history which has until now been difficult to encounter. For Sasaki, who is 82 years old this year, this exhibition is a fresh debut, in which he presents new work for the first time in 40 years. We highly recommend such an opportunity to encounter his works.

Dates: 23rd April - 23rd May 2010
Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday 12:00-19:00 Friday-Sunday (as well as public holidays) 12:00-20:00 (admission until 30 mins before closing)
Closed on: Thursdays (except 29th April)
Venue: 3331 Arts chiyoda 1st Floor Exhibition Space
Admission: 800円　high school/university students 500円　junior high school students and below admission free
Organizer: Sasaki Kosei Comitee, NPO commandN
Co-orgaizer: 3331 Arts Chiyoda
Artist: Sasaki Kosei

Exhibition of Works
In all of his large scale works created since 2000 Sasaki demonstrates a force of colour. 50 of his paintings are exhibited here including some of his latest works.
Here you may experience the wild and daring works produced in Sasaki's new challenge towards painting.

Document Exhibition
Documents from the 1960's Jack No Kai activities and Yomiuri Independent exhibition etc.

Documentary Film
This includes film taken by Sasaki when he moved to New York recording the condition of the streets and the loft where he lived. In addition recordings of Sasaki's recent creative production will also be shown. This documentary film is organized and edited by Hagiwara Kenkichi, a friend of Sasaki's since his time in New York.

Associated Events
□Opening Party
Date: 23rd April 2010 18:00-
19:00- Artist Talk by Sasaki Kosei
□Discussion
Art Critics Yoshida Yoshie and Fukuzumi Ren will join Sasaki Kosei in an exchange which will investigate the concept of total affirmation and its background in the age of the avant garde. As witnesses to the art history of the Showa period the vivid discussions between Sasaki and Yoshida are eagerly anticipated.
Date: 3rd May 2010 (public holiday) 14:00-16:00
Sasaki Kosei x Yoshida Yoshie (art critic) x Fukuzumi Ren (art critic)

Sasaki Kosei Exhibition Catalogue
To accompany the opening of this exhibition a catalogue will be produced documenting in full colour the 50 paintings included in this exhibition along with 16 brand new works. The catalogue will also offer a substantial interview in which Sasaki reflects upon his life, the events and art movements of the era he has lived through, as well as a bibliographic chronology. Further more art critic Yoshida Yoshie will provide a renewed critique of Sasaki's work and activities along with insights by Jack No Kai collaborator and current animation art director Kobayashi Shichiro and the book's editor Fukuzumi Ren. The book will consist of 100 pages.
On Sale from: 3rd May 2010
Anticipated price: 1800円/excluding tax
Published by: 3331 Arts Chiyoda
Editor: Fukuzumi Ren
Editorial Assistant: Sato Emi
Design Direction: Sato Naoki (ASYL)