An exhibition about a well-known architect: Challenge or opportunity? Beyond: Tadao Ando and Art

Abstract

This review focuses on one of the most anticipated programs that He Art Museum (HEM) has produced so far, Beyond: Tadao Ando and Art. This is in part because the subject of the exhibition was the architect who designed HEM but, more interestingly, the exhibition focused on the influence of contemporary art on Ando's architectural works, rather than generally introducing architectural projects. Focusing on this perspective, this review explores the challenges and opportunities for exhibitions about well-known architects, particularly in cases of architects such as Ando, whose distinctive architectural style (allowing people clear opinions of the architect) means it is never easy for curators to develop their own narrative. In this exhibition, connecting Ando with other artists who influenced him became an opportunity to address the challenge while dealing with his architectural languages, including light through traditional media, remained a concern. It has also been found that further work is needed to reveal the relationship between each artist and Ando, which was technically well designed in the space but was not delivering each artist's influence on Ando effectively.