25 new works created specifically for Wako will be unveiled for the first time in the world. These include pieces that challenge the traditional Arches paper with new techniques, and will be exhibited and sold for the first time in Japan.
Wako Co., Ltd. will be holding "CORE — Beyond Time | Wang Yan Cheng" at the Arts and Culture section on the basement floor of its flagship store from November 19th (Thursday) to December 9th (Wednesday).
Our flagship store's basement "Arts and Culture" section has been showcasing works that embody Japanese aesthetics, craftsmanship, and sustainability, based on the concept of "A Stage of Time." This time, we will be featuring the works of Wang Yan Cheng, a contemporary abstract painter who is active globally, primarily based in Paris and London.
Wang is a master of modern abstract painting, belonging to the lineage of artists such as Zhao Wou-Ki and Chu Teh-Chun, who bridged East and West in 20th-century Paris.
This will be my third solo exhibition in Japan, following those at the Ueno Royal Museum in 2019 and the Tokyo National Museum in 2024. This exhibition will also be the first time my works are exhibited and sold in Japan.
The exhibition title, "CORE," signifies both the "nucleus" as a collection of energy and the cohesive force of life. "Beyond Time" juxtaposes Wako's aesthetic sensibilities and spirit of craftsmanship, passed down through generations, with Wang's current state, which transcends realism, expressiveness, and abstraction, and opens up new frontiers in abstract expression. This exhibition will feature the world premiere of 25 of the artist's latest paper works, showcasing his new artistic direction. This series was born from respect for Japanese paper culture and a desire to bring his works closer to people's lives. Together with three large canvas works selected specifically for this space, a total of 28 pieces will be exhibited and available for purchase.
■ "CORE — Beyond Time｜Wang Yan Cheng" Overview Dates: November 19th (Thu) – December 9th (Wed), 2026
Venue: Arts and Culture, basement floor of the main store
Exhibited works: 25 paper works, 3 large canvas works, total of 28 works. Admission: Free
■CORE — Beyond Time｜Wang Yan Cheng Limited Aged Sake (Brewed by Dewazakura Sake Brewery)
To coincide with this exhibition, Dewazakura Brewery will release a limited-edition aged sake. Two types of sake, each with a distinct character, have been blended from sake aged for about 10 years. Mr. Wang himself tasted the sake and selected artworks that correspond to the flavor of each to be used for the labels. The artworks are also featured on the presentation boxes, and only 100 bottles of each type will be sold.
(Left) Wang Yancheng "Kiwami" Dewazakura Junmai Daiginjo Sake
(Right) Wang Yancheng "Hua" Dewazakura Junmai Daiginjo Sake, ¥27,500 each (tax included)
■Exhibition Catalog To commemorate this exhibition, a catalog featuring the exhibited works will be available for purchase at the venue. Compiled in three languages—Japanese, Chinese, and English—it includes not only illustrations of the works but also statements from the artists themselves, contributions from experts, and background information on the creation of the pieces. This book offers insights into details not visible in the exhibition space, as well as connections between the works.
■ Wang Yancheng Profile
Modern abstract painter.
Born in Guangdong Province in January 1960.
Having moved to France in the 1980s, she currently works primarily in Paris and London. While exploring the point where the expressive languages of Eastern philosophy and Western abstract painting resonate, she depicts the energy that emerges from nature.
■ Wako Main Store, Basement Floor, Arts and Culture
The basement of our flagship store was reborn as "Arts and Culture" on July 20, 2024. This floor is not just a place to shop, but a hub that conveys the stories behind the products—the traditions and techniques that have been passed down for hundreds of years, the Japanese aesthetic sense born from a relationship with nature, and the time spent pursuing creativity. It is a place for cultural exchange between people.
Since its founding as Hattori Watch Shop, Wako has showcased products that embody the finest craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, while also regularly holding art exhibitions. Through interactions with the people who gather there, Wako has nurtured diverse perspectives and inspirations. Inheriting the spirit of respecting arts and culture that flows through Wako, we will present works that embody Japanese aesthetics, craftsmanship, and sustainability from a unique perspective only possible in the basement.
Homepage: https://www.wako.co.jp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wako_ginza_tokyo/
Arts and Culture Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsandculture_wako_ginzatokyo/
[From Wako Co., Ltd. press release ]
<Related articles from the past>
[Ginza Wako] ANTEPRIMA x Aiko Miyanaga present "Wearing Time. Folding Up Memories."
[Ginza Wako] "Fujiko Enami Murrine Sketches" will be held from Thursday, October 8th.
