【About Exvision】
The Collectors’ Museum of Contemporary Art “WHAT MUSEUM,” operated by Warehouse TERRADA, will hold an exhibition titled OKETA COLLECTION “Mariage: From Antiques to Contemporary Art” from April 28th, 2022 (Thu) to July 3rd (Sun).

OKETA COLLECTION is a collection of antiques and contemporary art assembled for more than 20 years by Shunji and Asako Oketa, a married couple with a long history in the fashion industry. The collection will be a two-part exhibition with entirely different themes.

photo by Keizo KIOKU

The first exhibition, entitled “Mariage: From Antiques to Contemporary Art”, focuses on the antiques and works of contemporary art that formed the Oketas’ gateway into the world of art collecting. It consists of about 40 pieces to be exhibited under three themes of “Body,” “Monochrome” and “Color,” and includes pieces from artists, along with some works that have not been exhibited before. The exhibition brings together antiques ranging from Joseon-period ceramics to masterpieces from Japan’s leading ceramic artists such as Rosanjin Kitaoji, Kanjiro Kawai and Mineo Okabe, alongside works by contemporary artists including Kohei Nawa, KAWS, TIDE, Daniel Arsham and Tschabalala Self. “Mariage” collects works from different countries, generations and mediums into one space, offering visitors the opportunity to rediscover these fascinating pieces.

The second exhibition, OKETA COLLECTION “YES YOU CAN : The Strength of Life through Art,” is scheduled to be held from August 6th, 2022 (Sat) to October 16th (Sun). Details of the second exhibition and related events to be held during the exhibition will be announced in due course.

*Mariage: The French word for “marriage.” It refers to a state in which two separate entities work together in harmony to elevate and encourage one another.

Kohei Nawa《PixCell-Deer#48》©Kohei Nawa | Sandwich
photo by Keizo KIOKU

[About OKETA COLLECTION]
Shunji and Asako Oketa started this collection in the 2000s. The couple, who have been involved in the fashion industry for many years, began by collecting antiques but took strides in earnest toward a collection of contemporary art after a galvanizing encounter with the works of Yayoi Kusama in 2010. The pair’s taste in inspired works of art is exuded by “love at first sight,” resulting in a unique collection reflecting various periods. From masterpieces produced by the greats of Japan and elsewhere to fashion, street culture and art, OKETA COLLECTION boasts a uniquely dynamic lineup of artists.