At Whitestone Ginza New Gallery, the exhibition “Dimensions III—in/sight” is holding works by emerging contemporary artists. This space, where the unique talents of multiple artists intersect, creates a platform where individuality and expression come together to generate new insights.

For this exhibition, we conducted interviews with the six participating artists in order to reveal their inner worlds. We asked them the same set of questions to find out how they developed their artistic expressions, and unravel the relationship between art and modern society as depicted in their artworks.

A Futuristic Aura Evoked by Material and Curves Beyond Human Touch

Motoki Tanaka《adapt #2》(2023, 49.0 × 16.0 × 17.0cm, Resin paint)

1. What is the theme of this exhibition?

Tanaka: By removing the face from human figures, I symbolized anonymity in contemporary society, creating a three-dimensional representation of "someone who is no one." This exhibition centers on the concept of "revival"—something new that remains timeless regardless of the era—anchoring itself in the past, present, and future. My goal was to capture the presence, atmosphere, and impression of "being" in a space.

2. Can you tell us about the featured work, Adapt #2?

Tanaka: Adapt reflects an intentional departure from my usual upright forms, incorporating dynamic movement into the space. The piece represents a human figure with mass and shadow, interacting with its surroundings to adapt to the environment. By simply “existing,” its contours emerge and give shape to the space around it. The work’s minimal visual information, futuristic bodysuit-like appearance, and flowing, streamlined silhouette create a striking, otherworldly presence.

3. Was there a pivotal moment or influence that sparked your creative journey?

Tanaka: My grandfather worked as a film editor, which allowed me to watch numerous films during my childhood. One documentary about a sculptor left a lasting impression—the process of molding clay with energy and dedication to academic art was mesmerizing. That memory continues to inspire me to this day.

Motoki Tanaka《head #3》2023-2024, 65.2 × 91.2cm, oil on canvas)

4. What motivates you to create, and what are your strengths as an artist?

Tanaka: I’m drawn to the air and presence created by beautiful forms and curves. The idea of something elegant standing in a space motivates me to bring that concept to life through my work. My strength lies in my ability to persistently and calmly continue creating, no matter the circumstances.

5. How did you develop your current style, and what drives your choice of materials?

Tanaka: My fear of human faces and expressions led me to eliminate them from my work, resulting in an exploration of anonymity and the current focus on human figures. Over time, I experimented with materials such as wood, metal, and stone but ultimately chose plastic for its industrial, inorganic qualities. I wanted to remove any traces of human intervention or handmade textures from my work. Plastic, with its versatility and adaptability, embodies a balance between sculpture and object, perfectly complementing my thematic exploration of humanity.

6. Are there artists or works that have influenced you?

Tanaka: I’m inspired by Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Donald Judd, and Dieter Rams.

Whitestone Ginza New Gallery

7. Group exhibitions often foster unique dynamics. What are your expectations for Dimensions III?

Tanaka: I’m intrigued by how the atmosphere, impression, and presence of the space will shift when different works coexist within it. I’m also curious about how my pieces will influence others’ works or whether they will have any effect at all.

8. What would you like viewers to take away from your work?

Tanaka: I want viewers to sense the subtle human presence in the space—a "someone who is no one." Depending on who observes the piece, they might see a resemblance to a particular person or recognize an abstract form. I hope viewers can feel the contours of this ambiguous presence and connect it to their own interpretations.

9. What are your aspirations for the future?

Tanaka: I aim to continue creating figurative sculptures, exploring how they can evoke memories and emotions in those who view them.

Motoki Tanaka《girl #2》(2024, 52.5 × 17.0×7.5cm, oil on canvas)

Tanaka’s sharply defined, minimalistic figures strip away excess information, presenting “someone who is no one.” These sculptures, with their streamlined silhouettes and anonymous features, invite viewers to project their own memories and interpretations, transforming each piece into a deeply personal experience.

”Dimensions III—in/sight” is open until December 27, 2024. The exhibition can also be viewed anytime online via the Whitestone Gallery Online Store.

Exhibition Information

Motoki Tanaka

Born in 1990, Motoki Tanaka is a contemporary sculptor. He focuses on the “face,” an important factor in identifying individuals. By deliberately deleting parts of the face, he symbolizes anonymity in modern society, and represents the appearance, atmosphere, and impression that humans project, raising the motif of being “somebody but nobody.” In his faceless sculptures, diverse garments characterize the individual, skillfully filling in the essence of the featureless personage from the outside. The tabula rasa-like beings embodied by Tanaka maintain a flexible adaptability within their quietness and become a treasure trove of countless stories. The artist has received various awards, including the 3D category award at the “Ningenten Exhibition 2014,” an honorable mention and the Taku Someya Award at “Independent Tokyo 2020,” and the Gallery Art Morimoto Award at “KENZAN 2022.” So far, he has had three solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group shows.