Simone Leigh, John Akomfrah, and Wangechi Mutu are among the 60 artists selected for the Aichi Triennale 2025. This sixth edition will be held from September 13 to November 30 in Nagoya, Japan, located approximately 160 miles southwest of Tokyo.
Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, director of the Sharjah Biennial and founder of the Sharjah Art Foundation, is the curator for this event. Recently recognized as the most influential figure in the art world for 2024 by ArtReview, Al Qasimi has chosen these 60 artists from 22 different nationalities based on their alignment with the Triennale’s theme, “A Time Between Ashes and Roses.” This theme draws inspiration from the 1970 poem by Syrian poet Adonis and encourages a forward-looking view shaped by geological perspectives rather than immediate national or territorial contexts.
Al Qasimi expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with such a talented group of artists for the Aichi Triennale 2025, stating, “Through the exhibition, we will explore the intricate issues arising between humanity and the environment, examining them from various angles through diverse artistic practices. Art, as a multifaceted medium, is deeply connected to numerous societal challenges. By engaging with art and reflecting on our surroundings, we may discover new insights and potential solutions to our urgent crises.”
Several artists will showcase their work in Japan for the first time, including Leigh, renowned for her ceramic and bronze sculptures that often reflect forms traditionally linked to African art. Congolese artist Faustin Linyekula, a dancer and choreographer, will also present his work for the first time in the Triennale’s performing arts program.
Among the 22 visual artists hailing from Japan, notable figures include Izumi Kato, celebrated for his surreal portraits with oval-shaped heads, and Hiroshi Sugimoto, known for his striking black-and-white architectural photography. The lineup also pays tribute to Japanese pop culture, featuring two manga artists: the 75-year-old Morohoshi Daijiro and the anonymous online artist panpanya. Other international contributors include Peruvian artist Elena Damiani and Lebanese American artist Simone Fattal.
For the full list of artists, click here.
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