The CAF Awards Highlight Exceptional Student Artwork

All photos by Keiko Kioku, courtesy Contemporary Art Foundation

Last week in Tokyo the Contemporary Art Foundation (CAF) held its 2018 art awards. Currently in its 5^th year, the CAF Awards recognizes exceptional contemporary art made by students in Japan – both national and foreign – as well Japanese students studying abroad. This year 15 finalist students had the opportunity to display their work at an exhibition in Tokyo.

the Grand Prize went to Yuto Nemoto for his series of “Made Vases”

The team of judges – Masami Shiraishi (SCAI THE BATHHOUSE), Tomoko Yabumae (Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo), and Seiichi Saito (Rhizomatiks) – selected the 15 artists whose works were showcased at Daikanyama Hillside Terrace. On the opening day, 5 winners were selected and given monetary awards, along with support to travel abroad and continue their studies.

A final judging was conducted on the first day of the opening and the Grand Prize went to Yuto Nemoto for his series of “Made Vases.” Erika Naka received 1 of 3 judges prizes for her acrylic paintings of distorted convenience store logos. Also receiving judge awards were Shuzo Tajima, for his series of paintings “She bent tech thin tight（思弁的身体）,” and Atsuko Mochida, for her video documentation of Revolving House of T, which you can read more about here.

Erika Naka received 1 of 3 judges prizes for her acrylic paintings of distorted convenience store logos

“She bent tech thin tight（思弁的身体)” by Shuzo Tajima, who won 1 of 3 judge prizes

“Revolving House of T” by Atsuko Mochida, another recipient of 1 of 3 judge prizes

The CAF was founded by Yusaku Maezawa, the notable art collector and founder of online retailer Zozo, with the mission of supporting young artists and musicians. In addition to the art awards, they also provide grants to artists and host rotating exhibitions to support contemporary art. The 2018 CAF Awards were held between Nov 27 – Dec 2, 2018.