Shop for Art at The Container in Nakameguro

If you’re looking for something a little different this holiday season, I recommend stopping by The Container in Nakameguro. Literally a shipping container converted into an art gallery, it is housed inside the chic hair salon Bross Hair. Started by curator Shai Ohayon in 2011, the tiny space has quickly built up a reputation for showing the most cutting-edge Japanese and overseas artists including artful pranksters Chim ↑ Pom and French street artist Zevs.

Now The Container’s latest group show entitled Multi(Multi)(ple(s)), which runs through February 17, turns the gallery into an art shop, with limited edition works by each of the 11 artists on display at friendly prices. For those who can’t make the trip into Nakameguro, The Container has also launched an online shop which will remain even after the show is over.

The exhibition’s aim is to prod fun at the art market and Japan’s obsession with shopping, while at the same time allowing visitors the opportunity to purchase unique artworks ranging from ¥2,000 to ¥10,000 and more. The artworks themselves are tongue-in-cheek and humorous. My personal picks for fancy gifts would have to be Jack McLean’s original hand-drawn plate featuring famed photographer Nobuyoshi Araki taking a photograph; Venezuelan Tokyo-based artist Beatriz Inglessis’s unique set of tarot cards based on traditional Japanese woodcut printing; and Canadian artist Robert Waters’ hand silkscreened tote bags in mint green.

The highlight of this exhibition’s satirical worship of retail is the vending machine installation. Using the ubiquitous symbol of Japanese commercial culture, The Container’s vending machine is absent of drink products and glows bare and white, instead inviting visitors to purchase a bottle containing signed surprise artworks for ¥2,000.

The Deets

Address: 1-8-30 Kami Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

Open: Mon-Fri, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat, Sun and hols, 10 a.m.-8 p.m

Words by Mio Coxon. Photo by Louise Harris, courtesy of The Container.