SAKAMOTO Ryuichi, who died on March 28, 2023, had been interested in the Internet since its formative years in the early 1990s, using the medium to hold live online events etc. as part of proactive efforts to incorporate media technology into his works. He continued with the creation of numerous works in fields ranging from contemporary art to media arts. This exhibition has been co-curated by MANABE Daito of creative collective Rhizomatiks, who collaborated with SAKAMOTO on several projects, together with Chief Curator of NTT InterCommunication Center [ICC] HATANAKA Minoru, who worked on many of SAKAMOTO’s exhibitions at the Center. In addition to serving as a tribute to SAKAMOTO, who recorded immeasurably far-reaching achievements in the field of media arts, the exhibition is an attempt to provide a portrait of SAKAMOTO for the future with the aim of perpetuating and amplifying his work. To this end the exhibition features pieces based on performance-related data left behind by the artist, as well as art created by SAKAMOTO in collaboration with artists from Japan and overseas including TAKATANI Shiro, Carsten NICOLAI, MOHRI Yuko, and LEE Ufan.
【Abstract Engine Co., Ltd.】
Abstract Engine Co., Ltd. changed its name from its former title Rhizomatiks Co., Ltd. in 2020. Since the founding of its predecessor Rhizomatiks in 2006, the company has explored pioneering forms of expression in the fields of art, advertising, and entertainment. The new company name Abstract Engine was inspired by the concept of “abstract machines” as put forward by Michel FOUCAULT, Gilles DELEUZE, and Félix GUATTARI. It is currently pushing forward with proofs of concept and social implementation projects with the aim of functioning as an “engine” to drive society.
SHUKUIN Takuma
Production Manager
Abstract Engine Co., Ltd.
1F Ebisu Higashi Heights No.2, 2-27-7 Higashi Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel:+81-(0)3-5778-4571
NTT InterCommunication Center [ICC], Shinjuku City, Tokyo