Exhibition Deconstructing the 'Cool Britannia' Myth and Reconsidering 90s British Art Held in Roppongi
An exhibition at The National Art Center, Tokyo, re-examines 90s British art, focusing on the YBAs and the 'Cool Britannia' myth.Summary
The exhibition "Tate Britain — YBA & BEYOND: 90s British Art That Changed the World" is being held at The National Art Center, Tokyo, until May 11, 2026, showcasing about 100 works by 60 artists from the Tate collection to examine the innovative trajectory of 1990s British art, particularly the Young British Artists (YBAs). A key feature is its effort to deconstruct the 'Cool Britannia' label by equally presenting ambitious artists whose work was obscured by the hype, offering a flat reassessment of the era's multilayered art scene. The exhibition begins with a monumental work by Francis Bacon, setting a context that bridges Bacon's mature period with the disruptive 1990s art scene, followed by seminal YBA pieces by Damien Hirst and Gilbert & George. Subsequent sections highlight artists using documentary approaches, like Henry Bond and Liam Gillick, and those reflecting social issues or personal narratives, such as Chris Ofili, Tracey Emin, and Wolfgang Tillmans, whose work resonated with youth culture. The display concludes with works inspired by everyday objects, like those by Elizabeth Wright and the late Ceal Floyer, demonstrating how artists expanded the world through sheer imagination despite financial constraints. According to the Tate curator, the exhibition's quality led to its inclusion in the Tate's main London venue.
(Source：Time Out Tokyo)