The flyer for Space Cadet's "Actual Exhibition." See you there.
Generally speaking, it’s a good time for photography exhibits in Tokyo. Araki, 1 Kawauchi, 2 Yasuhiro Ishimoto 3 and Thomas Demand 4 all have museums shows up, while the first three of that group also have gallery exhibits. Still, I’m looking forward to a group show which will run from June 6 – 15, put on by the website Space Cadet 5 at Turner Gallery (map here 6). It’s called “Actual Exhibition,” and it will include the work of 18 of the photographers featured on the Space Cadet.
Expectations should be set higher than usual. For better or worse, Space Cadet has very consciously selected a group of photographers that represent something like “the scene” as it stands in 2012, and putting 18 people in one show is making quite a statement. So, there will be a lot of talent in the room, but is it going to add up to anything? The reason (or lack of it) for producing this show will be more important than the relative quality of the photographs themselves. I can always feel things happening in Tokyo, but it’s all a bit fragmented, and this exhibit could break through all that.
Update (6/10/12): you should see the show. 7