■ What is a "foreign artist residing in Japan"?

The term "foreign artists residing in Japan" as used in this exhibition specifically refers to foreign artists holding an "Artist Residence Status (i.e., an artist visa)" issued by the Japanese government.

Obtaining this residency status signifies that the professionalism, continuity, and marketability of one's creative activities have passed the rigorous review of the Japan Immigration Bureau. Applicants must possess a certain sales record of their works, exhibition experience, recommendations from professional institutions, and a detailed activity and income plan to be considered by the government as a "foreigner residing in Japan who makes a living through art."

In other words, foreigners who obtain this residency status are officially "recognized" as artists under the Japanese legal system.

■ Why hold this exhibition?

As of 2024, there were approximately 3.41 million foreigners residing in Japan, of whom only 580 held artist visas. They are a very small minority of foreigners who are officially recognized as artists and can legally engage in creative activities long-term.

However, these artists remain extremely low in visibility and recognition in Japanese society, and their works and voices often struggle to enter the mainstream museum system or public discussion spaces.

■ Exhibition Theme: "From Identification to Understanding"

This exhibition focuses on foreign artists who have already received institutional recognition, conveying their presence in Japan through their authentic works and creative practices. We hope that this exhibition will promote public awareness of these artists and encourage further reflection on the true value of artists beyond institutional recognition.

The exhibited works cover multiple fields such as painting, photography, video, crafts, and sculpture, showcasing the diverse cultural backgrounds and individual perspectives of foreign artists living in Japan.

■ Exhibition Objectives

• Introduce the "Artist Residence Status" system to the public, and the artistic practices of those holding this status in Japan.

• To let the public know about the creative power and contributions of these foreign artists who "truly exist" in Japanese society.

• To provide artists with a platform to showcase their creative personality, cultural background, and intellectual depth.

• An exhibition is held annually to continuously promote the diversity and cross-cultural understanding within the art world.
  
  

• Submission page (submission deadline has passed)

List of exhibiting artists (in no particular order)

Wang Jiaming, Zhang Mushi, Shi Yu, Wang Yihan, Yang Xiaobo, Zhao Haixu, Ma Xiaoyang, Li Jianying, Sukie, Feng Lingyu, Guan Shibao, Lang Liwei, Dong Wenjun, Ma Hui