Takahashi Ryutaro Collection
Dr. Ryutaro Takahashi, a psychiatrist, is one of the world’s biggest collectors of Japanese contemporary art. “A Personal View of Japanese Contemporary Art: Takahashi Ryutaro” is now held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo until 10th November 2024. His collection reaches 3,500 pieces of work, almost half of which are on display at MoT.
Takahashi’s collection is diverse and he collects something beyond his boundary of imagination. He supports young and emerging artists living in such tough and complex times to foster their talent.
Back when it all started, in the 1990s, when the bubble economy collapsed, the Aum Shinrikyo subway sarin attack rocked Japan. He actively collected works critical of the society and culture to support their activities.
At the initial stage, Takahashi was attracted by the artist’s depicting technique and human power. Having built his collection with a special focus on artists who explore uniquely Japanese forms of expression.
However, the Tohoku Great Earthquake had a particularly big effect that changed his sensibility. The earthquake shaped Takahashi’s perception of things that have been built in the past but that will crumble at some point, he has become more attracted to something beyond human power, and become more focused on new artistic expressions using varied techniques and ideas.
CLANN BY THE RIVER
1-1-7 Kiyosumi Koto-ku, TokyoRiver side restaurant overlooking the Sumida River!
I was most impressed by one chapter that focuses on human figures – one of the collection’s central themes. The desire to address various kinds of human aspects by way of art, and explore the roots of creativity.
His collection focuses on contemporary Japanese arts because he wants to feel living in the same period.