Space Un is Tokyo’s Newest Hub for Promoting African Contemporary Art
Spearheaded by Edna Dumas, from the Hermès-affiliated Dumas family.
In an unexpected partnership, a discreet art collector associated with a luxury brand has teamed up with a Japanese actor and a Berlin-based entrepreneur to launch Space Un, a Tokyo art platform promoting contemporary African art as per Artnet.
Spearheaded by Edna Dumas, from the Hermès-affiliated Dumas family, Space Un aims to facilitate cultural exchange between Japan and Africa while highlighting African artists. Scheduled for an April 20 opening in Tokyo’s Aoyama district, Space Un will feature a blend of commercial gallery exhibitions, public engagement programs, and an artist residency. Its establishment follows a surge of interest in Tokyo’s art scene, evidenced by the recent presence of international galleries like Pace and Ceysson & Bénétière.
Designed by architect Go Hasegawa, Space Un will host a variety of events, including artist talks, workshops, and music/film presentations, to engage the public. The inaugural exhibition, “Anastomosis,” showcases works by Senegalese artist Aliou Diack, created during his residency at Yoshino Cedar House in Nara. Diack underscores the shared appreciation for nature between Senegal and Japan, emphasizing their mutual respect for the Earth.
Through Space Un, Dumas and her collaborators seek to foster a deeper understanding of African art and culture in Japan while providing a platform for African artists to showcase their work on an international stage.
