Tokyo Gallery + BTAP

Tokyo Gallery + BTAP, founded in 1950, is the first contemporary art gallery in Tokyo. Since the 1950s, the gallery has pioneered the introduction of Western avant-garde artists such as Lucio Fontana, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Yves Klein and Jackson Pollock to Japan. The gallery has also promoted experimental projects by Japanese artists, including Taro Okamoto, Kazuo Shiraga, Jiro Takamatsu and Mono-ha artists. All of whom are now renowned internationally. Tokyo Gallery introduced the works of Japanese artists to international audiences through acclaimed exhibitions at major museums, collaborations in biennales and art fairs. In the 1970s, the gallery began working with Korean artists such as Kim Whanki, Lee Ufan and Park Seobo. And from the late 1980s, it also started exhibiting yet-unknown Chinese artists, including Cai Guoqiang and Xu Bing. In 2002, the gallery opened a new space, Beijing Tokyo Art Projects (BTAP), in the now famous Beijing 798 Art District. Inheriting the pioneer spirit and currently operating as Tokyo Gallery + BTAP, the gallery continues its mission of discovering and promoting both established and rising artists.