Art Golden Gai by Nox Gallery x Superchief x Brillia
A Unique Immersive Art Experience in a Soon-to-be-Demolished Tokyo Apartment Building
"Art Golden Gai by Nox Gallery x Superchief x Brillia" is a large-scale immersive art festival that will take over an entire abandoned apartment building in the heart of Tokyo. Scheduled for demolition in February 2025, this 10-story building, situated at the nexus of Shibuya, Ebisu, and Daikanyama, will be transformed into a dynamic hub of artistic expression. The event, running from January 19th to January 28th, 2025, promises to deliver a unique blend of cutting-edge art, music, and technology to a global audience.
The festival’s name, "Art Golden Gai," pays homage to Shinjuku Golden Gai, a renowned cultural enclave that has long attracted artists, writers, and filmmakers from around the world. This event seeks to capture a similar spirit of creativity and collaboration, offering a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work in an unconventional setting.
Exhibition Highlights
Apartment Common Areas
The building’s common areas, including the entrance, will be completely reimagined by scenic artist Amanda Hagy, known for her work on Hollywood films such as "JOKER" and "WEST SIDE STORY." Each floor will feature a distinct theme, ranging from cyberpunk aesthetics to the vibrant world of Dekotora (decorated trucks), creating an immersive environment reminiscent of a cinematic universe.
NOX Gallery EBISU Powered by Brillia (1st – 2nd floor)
The first two floors will house NOX Gallery EBISU, which will feature three distinct experiences:
- IMMERSIVE ART & SOUND: This section will host immersive audio-visual art shows and events, providing a sensory feast for attendees.
- FUTURE ART AT HOME & OFFICE: NOX GALLERY will present "Dynamic Art," an innovative art form that evolves over time, offering a glimpse into the future of art in everyday spaces.
- ART x SHORT FILM Gallery: In collaboration with "ShortShorts," organizers of the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, this gallery will showcase short films from around the world. Multiple monitors will allow visitors to enjoy these cinematic works in a gallery-like setting. Plans are also in place for performance collaborations with visual artists and the development of a community space for creators during the exhibition.
Art Apartment (3rd – 10th floor)
The residential areas from the third floor upwards will be transformed into individual art spaces. Each of the 50 apartments will be occupied by a different artist, who will decorate their space using a variety of techniques, including traditional painting and digital signage. This diverse approach ensures that each apartment will offer a unique artistic experience. The participating artists include a mix of internationally recognized figures and up-and-coming talents, such as:
- Parker Day
- Claire Silver
- Shintaro Kago
- IDerec
- ClownVamp
- Aerosynlex Maestrovic
- Rax On Chain
- Snipe1
- Alligator Jesus
- VMO
- Pol Kurucz
- Vandalo Ruins
The varied themes and worldviews created on each floor are a major highlight of the festival, promising a journey through diverse artistic landscapes.
Event Details
- Venue: Saison Daikanyama
- Nearest Station: Daikanyama Station
- Address: 2-5-1 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0021, Japan (MAP)
- Event Period: January 19th, 2025 (Sunday) – January 28th, 2025 (Tuesday)
- Hours: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Price: Please check the official website for details.
- Official Website: https://www.artgoldengai.com/
Please note that the published content is subject to change. It is recommended to check the venue’s and organizer’s official websites for the latest information.
What is Golden Gai?
Golden Gai is a district in Tokyo, known for its distinctive nightlife and atmosphere. Located in Shinjuku, this small neighborhood features narrow alleyways and closely packed buildings, each housing small bars and eateries. With over 200 establishments in a compact area, Golden Gai offers a variety of themed bars, each with its own character.
Historically, Golden Gai has been a gathering place for artists, writers, and musicians, maintaining a creative spirit that continues to draw people from around the world. The area is noted for its retro feel, with many bars preserving their post-war architecture and decor, providing a look into Tokyo’s past. Despite its somewhat worn exterior, Golden Gai is a welcoming place where both locals and tourists can enjoy conversations and unique experiences.
As Tokyo changes, Golden Gai remains a part of the city’s cultural history, preserving a piece of the past in a modern setting. However, with some buildings facing demolition, the future of Golden Gai is uncertain. The upcoming "Art Golden Gai 2025" event will celebrate its legacy.
