Munich’s art scene has an unexpected twist. Here at Micheko Galerie, you will find a Japanese gallery. It is located far from Japan. This might surprise some art lovers. Keiko Tanaka and Michele Vitucci founded Micheko Galerie in 2010. They faced initial skepticism. People often asked if they were in Tokyo.
Micheko Galerie stands out. Munich has around 60 other galleries. These galleries often compete. They showcase Western and local artists. Micheko offers something different. It presents 21st-century Japanese art to a global audience. This is without being near Japan. This unique approach has challenges. Mainstream art circles sometimes keep them at arm’s length.
Michele says they embrace being outsiders. This allows them to challenge the Eurocentric art world. They avoid stereotypical Japanese art. No geishas or “hi no maru” motifs. They also avoid using cringy Asian fonts.
Micheko Galerie is aware of Japan’s pop culture appeal. Manga and anime attract foreigners. But the gallery goes beyond these familiar images. They showcase art that requires viewers to unlearn Western aesthetics. The goal is to open minds to non-Western concepts.
Ryosuke Harashima’s sideboard exemplifies this. It looks like a plain black box. But it reveals beauty hidden inside. This reflects an Edo period aesthetic. It emphasizes inner beauty and humility. Visitors often have an “aha moment”. They see things from a different perspective.
The gallery also tackles the concept of craftsmanship. The Western art world often overlooks it. Conceptual art values ideas over handwork. In Japan, arts and crafts are inseparable. Keiko says handwork conveys the artist’s concept. It gives the artwork a strong presence.
Micheko Galerie has featured around 200 artists. They range in age from 25 to 65. Keiko finds emerging talents. She spots artists on the verge of success. The gallery offers Japanese artists global exposure. They exhibit in Munich and at international art fairs. They also use online platforms. This gives them access to global buyers.
Keiko says many Japanese artists want to challenge themselves internationally. The gallery provides a way to break free from the strict hierarchies. This is common in traditional crafts. Younger artists can step out of the shadows of established masters.
Michele says about half of their buyers are from the US, the Netherlands, and the UK. These buyers are confident. They follow their instincts. They don’t just follow art trends.
Micheko sometimes sells art to Japanese buyers online. This means art imported from Japan returns home. The gallery’s online presence helps Japanese clients bypass waiting lists. It also provides access to artists who may be hard to find. Micheko puts Japanese art on a global stage.
The gallery’s mission is to showcase Japanese art internationally. This helps to bridge cultures. They aim to broaden viewers’ horizons. Micheko Galerie continues to do this both online and offline. The gallery presents new perspectives of Japanese art. It is for private, institutional, and corporate collections.