Monex, Inc. started the ART IN THE OFFICE program since 2008 as part of its social and cultural activities with the aim to support young contemporary artists. Under this program, Monex, Inc. chooses one artist from an open application to provide an exhibition space inside the company's meeting room for a certain period of time, as well as a cash award and production fee. This year, Mr. Toshifumi Watanabe was selected from a large number of applicants.
Title
CHARACTERS
About the Artwork Concept
The 245 drawings in this artwork are portraits of people who the artist knows or human beings, animals, aliens, and other queer-looking species created from the artist`s imagination. Using rudimentary materials to create such drawings, or using everyday objects to create installations, the artist conveys the message that art is something we can all relate to. In January and February 2012, the work was shown to the general public for the first time. The artwork will be exhibited in the meeting room until July 2012.
Profile of Mr. Toshifumi Watanabe
Born in Niigata in 1985. Lives and works in Tokyo. Graduated from Nihon University Graduate School of Art in 2009. Worked mainly with iron sculptures during his student years. Recent works vary from drawings, self-documentary films, and installations. Participated in "BankART Artist in Residence 2010" where he showed his studio itself as an installation, exhibiting everyday objects such as clothing hangers, empty Coca Cola drink bottles and french fry boxes, along with colorful drawings. His works aim to create views yet unseen, by adding a twist to familiar objects and scenes from our daily lives. In June 2011, took part in "Youngest Artists Night [semi-documentary]"(blanClass, Yokohama). Having a solo exhibition at space "Roji to Hito"(Tokyo) in September.
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