The largest contemporary art event in Kyushu, Art Fair Asia Fukuoka, brings together leading galleries from Japan and abroad, showcasing an impressive range of art. Last year, the event attracted over 10,000 visitors, including international galleries and collectors. For its ninth edition, the fair moves to the Fukuoka International Center with a dynamic two-floor layout.
The “Galleries” section will feature 89 galleries from across the globe, presenting works by artists ranging from established masters to emerging talents, offering a comprehensive look at the Asian art scene. Meanwhile, the “Collaboration” section will see 10 organizations, including companies, schools, and other Asian art fairs, exhibiting curated selections from unique perspectives.
A major highlight is the “Leading Asia” exhibition, curated by AFAF 2024 Special Advisor Daisuke Miyatsu, a globally recognized art collector. This showcase will present 12 standout works by cutting-edge Asian artists, featured in Japan for the first time by prominent regional galleries. Additionally, the “AFAF Masters” booth will display masterpieces by celebrated artists like Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Atsuko Tanaka
Left: Christo, “Packed Alexandre III Bridge, Project for Paris, 1972-90” 1991, fabric, twine, thread, photograph, tape 70 x 75 cm, Photo by Hiroshi Noguchi Courtesy of Art Front Gallery
Right: Kuroda Seiki, “Field,” date unknown, oil on board, 34.9×25.8cm, ⓒUjin Matsuo
Art Fair Asia Fukuoka 2024
• 9/20 (Fri.) ~ 9/22 (Sun.)
• 11:00~19:00 (9/22: ~18:00)
• Adv. ¥2,500, door ¥3,000 (advance ticket sales)
• Fukuoka Kokusai Center
• 2-2 Chikkohon-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
• https://artfair.asia/en/
Throughout the event, art will fill the streets of Fukuoka as part of the “Fukuoka Art Next” Week – FaN Week – a citywide celebration of creativity.
Left: Eko Nugroho, Festival of Life, 2023 Embroidery painting 184×133cm ⒸEko Nugroho A work
Inspired by the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival
Right: Soh Souen, Holding #2, 2024 Photo acrylic, 28 x 42cm
A live performance will be held during the art fair
The fair also marks the launch of the “AFAF Private Bottle Series,” a unique collaboration between art and single malt whisky. The first edition pairs Gyoji Nomiyama (1920-2023), a Fukuoka-based master who left a significant mark on postwar Japanese art, with Glen Moray, a Scotch whisky with over 120 years of history. This limited release of 130 private bottles features a label designed by Nomiyama at the age of 101.
AFAF Private Bottle Series #1 (2024) Gyoji Nomiyama, Glen Moray, 2007 700ml
