What's Happening?
Art Week Tokyo's 2025 video programme, titled 'Rituals, or the Absurd Beauty of Prayers,' focuses on the theme of rituals, particularly those related to life and death. Curated by Keiko Okamura from the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, the programme features
ten works screened at the SMBC East Tower. The selected pieces explore various aspects of funerary customs and ordinary repetitive gestures, highlighting the significance of rituals in human societies. Notable works include Hiroko Okada's reimagining of the okuribito role using AR and VR technology, and Maiko Jinushi's documentation of grave removal processes in Tokyo. The programme aims to present video art as a medium that simplifies and appeals directly to emotions, offering a powerful antidote to the overwhelming content on screens.
Why It's Important?
The video programme at Art Week Tokyo underscores the cultural and emotional significance of rituals in human life, offering insights into how these practices shape our understanding of existence. By focusing on end-of-life rituals and everyday gestures, the programme invites viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of life and death, migration, and cultural heritage. This exploration of rituals through video art provides a unique perspective on the human experience, potentially influencing how audiences perceive and engage with cultural traditions. The programme's emphasis on video art as a medium for emotional expression highlights its potential to convey complex themes in accessible ways, contributing to broader discussions on the role of art in society.
Beyond the Headlines
The programme's focus on rituals raises ethical and cultural questions about the representation of death and mourning in art. By examining these practices through video, the programme challenges viewers to consider the deeper implications of cultural traditions and their impact on identity and community. This exploration may inspire discussions on the preservation of cultural heritage and the role of art in documenting and interpreting human experiences. The programme's approach to video art as a medium for emotional expression also highlights the potential for art to foster empathy and understanding across diverse cultural contexts.
