PERMANENT MODERN: The Eyes of Masahiro Arita
This exhibition showcases items selected by Masahiro Arita, who established a unique fashion culture in Kumamoto based on his discerning eye.Summary
The exhibition, "PERMANENT MODERN: The Eyes of Masahiro Arita," honors the legacy of Masahiro Arita (born 1952), a legendary figure who pioneered a unique fashion culture from Kumamoto for 50 years and is considered one of the founders of the "select shop" concept in Japan. In the pre-internet era, Arita introduced cutting-edge international fashion to Kumamoto, often simultaneously with or ahead of Tokyo, quickly spotting talents like Paul Smith and Margaret Howell before they became famous. His selections were based not on expertise or trends, but solely on his continuously refined "eye" and "hand," viewing his work as an artistic endeavor through clothing and shoes. After closing his final store, "Permanent Modern," in the winter of 2024, this exhibition reveals the creativity inherent in the "discoverer's" eye through the unique items Arita curated. His trajectory, building a distinct culture from a regional city by looking toward the world, prompts contemporary audiences to reconsider the importance of seeing things with their own eyes.
(Source：美術展ナビ)