Tomokazu Matsuyama

Matsuyama, bridging his heritage between Japan and the USA, distills a bicultural narrative into a vibrant oeuvre that navigates the complexities of a globalized society. His artistry unites disparate cultural symbols into a new, universal reality, echoing the dynamism of contemporary life. Behind his visually arresting works is a profound exploration of the tension between local familiarity and global universality. Drawing on historical milestones and the holistic view of our interconnected world, Mythologiques, inspired by Claude Lévi-Strauss and curated by Christoph Doswald, delves into the construction of individual identity amidst an age of ubiquitous images, values, and information. Matsuyama’s reflections on global interdependencies and cultural tensions, as well as his unique perspective on migration and cultural fusion, form the exhibition’s backbone. The exhibition Mythologiques by Tomokazu Matsuyama, curated by Christoph Doswald for The Contemporary Istanbul Foundation, running concurrently with the 60th Venice Biennale, 2024, is not merely an exhibition; it is a profound exploration of the interconnectedness of our global society, challenging our perceptions of identity and cultural belonging.