An entrepreneur and investor, Japanese art collector Kankuro Ueshima has built up a collection of over 500 contemporary artworks. Kankuro Ueshima Collection is mainly focused on artists with a strong sense of “contemporaneity”, expressing the times that we are all living in. He aims at establishing a collection that stays true to its “contemporaneity” and that, instead of keeping artworks in storage, keeps them alive and dynamic as they interact with society. Therefore, starting from this year, over 500 works from the collection will be open to public through both exhibitions at unique spaces and social media platforms.
Kankuro Ueshima shared with LARRY’S LIST his experience of falling in love with an abstract painting by Gerhard Richter; his latest art purchase in Miami; why meeting the artists behind the artworks is very important for him; who his art collecting mentor is; and last but not least, three emerging Japanese artists to watch out for.
Collecting
What made you want to start collecting art? What is the main motivation behind your collecting?
For me, artworks have been a source of inspiration for a long time. But recently, I noticed that very few people in Japan realize the value of art, and especially contemporary art. I personally think this could be one reason why people say that Japan is losing its energy. I want to try to change this by bringing back the ability of art to influence people in a meaningful way. I can do that by making my collection open to public through exhibitions at unique spaces and social media platforms.
When did you fall in love with a piece of art? What was it?
I clearly remember that I was in New York on May 20, 2016 at the Marian Goodman Gallery. The piece was an abstract painting by Gerhard Richter.
What is your focus regarding the artists in your collection? Are you more interested in emerging or renowned artists? Why do you collect both international and local artists?
I am interested in emerging artists and renowned artists, and in local or international artists. I am looking for works by living artists, whether less well-known or renowned, who are striving to express the zeitgeist of these times that we are all living in.
What is the theme that unites all the works you have acquired?
In a word, “contemporaneity”.
What were the first and the latest artworks you purchased?
The first one was Meguru Yamaguchi’s piece, and the most recent purchase was Katharina Grosse’s piece presented at Gagosian Gallery’s exhibition at Art Basel Miami.
How many artworks do you own? Where do you display your collection?
I currently have about 500 pieces, which are displayed in some of my properties, and my private museum space is currently under construction.
What do you consider before purchasing an artwork?
I think about what the artist wants to express in the piece, and I take into account the background of the artist and the specific piece. I also consider how well I empathize with the piece.
What kind of artwork can make you write a cheque without any consideration?
When I am a big fan of works by a particular artist, and I feel strong empathy with the concept of the piece, and I can acquire a piece from artist directly on the primary market, I will jump at the chance to make an acquisition.
How important is it for you to meet the artists who created the artwork?
Meeting the artist is very important, especially when I’m buying multiple pieces. My desire for a piece changes through the empathy developed during direct communication with the artist.
How do you make use of internet and social media to discover artists and acquire artworks?
I get hints, tips, and leads by checking auction sites, gallery webpages, art media, Instagram, and other social media and so on literally every day.
The Art World
What was your happiest moment so far throughout your art collecting journey?
It was at an art exhibition, when an artist explained the concept of an artwork directly to me, and I was so impressed with it. Even though the artist had no intention to sell the piece, and I was able to buy that piece in the end.
Who inspires you the most in the art world?
My art collecting mentor and guide, Takeo Obayashi.
What do you think about the art scene and collector scene in Japan nowadays?
I feel more people in Japan are becoming interested in contemporary art, but I think the issue here is that there are very few contemporary art collectors who make their collections open to public, so there are limited opportunities and not many places for the public to experience “great” contemporary art. I would be very happy if I can change the situation even a little bit.
What art fairs do you recommend in Japan?
I highly recommend Art Collaboration Kyoto, which is an annual fair held in autumn. I think another one is Tokyo GENDAI, to be held in July 2023 at Pacifico Yokohama.
Can you name three emerging artists from Japan who should be on our radar?
Japan is home to many talented artists. Three artists whose works have caught my eye are Kei Imazu, Makiko Kudo, and Nanae Mitobe.
Related: Ueshima Collection
Instagram: @kankuro_ueshima; @ueshima_collection
A selection of artists Kankuro collects:
Katharina Grosse
Kei Imazu
Kohei Nawa
Nanae Mitobe
Sabine Moritz
This interview was facilitated by Art Collaboration Kyoto.
By Ricko Leung
