a post-blog
A weird byproduct of the Bubble Economy was the entrance of organized crime into the Japanese art market. They apparently have not relinquished much control over the last twenty years.
Recently an artist team I know was invited to do a show at a well-known gallery. When they unveiled their work and attached the "conceptual" price of 7,770,000 yen, the owner of the gallery had a fit. And without even once viewing the art itself, directly confronted them about their financial transgressions. If anyone had doubted the dubiousness of this famous gallery owner, everything was cleared up when he roared at the artists: "jingi wo misero" (「仁義を見せろ！」) - an expression denoting a very feudal idea of "humanity and justice" used solely by members of the yakuza. The artists panicked and not wanting to actually sell their work at a gallery run by organized crime, demanded to quit the exhibition. Their manager meanwhile - fearing for their livelihood and future career - forced the artists to attach a more manageable price and play along so they could all go home in one piece.
Yet another lurid tale from the Japanese art market.
Posted by marxy at December 10, 2004 2:10 AM
Very interesting and amusing story. I'm wondering if the artists wanted to elicit exactly that response from the gallery? Was this a commentary on corruption in the art world? Do the Yakuza use art as a means of laundering money or otherwise lend a creative touch to their bookkeeping?
And tangentially have you heard about the outrageous prices that the top koi (decorative carp) command? Apparently some are priced at levels on top gangsters and politicians can afford.
Again, somewhat tangentially, I highly recommend the Orson Wells' film about the art world "F is for Fake".
Cheers,
I'm wondering if the artists wanted to elicit exactly that response from the gallery? Was this a commentary on corruption in the art world?
I think once they figured out who was behind the gallery and the fact that they only talked endlessly about money (and not the art itself), they did it as a protest.
Do the Yakuza use art as a means of laundering money or otherwise lend a creative touch to their bookkeeping?
Laundering. Same with the fashion real estate/brands in Harajuku. The yakuza also have a large stake in music management companies, so they essentially have their hand in the whole pop culture cookie jar. I wish more people would write about this; it's kind of a taboo open-secret.
Posted by: marxy at December 10, 2004 5:29 PM
Sounds like a case for 2 chaneru. Just make sure you use an IP-proxy when you post.
Take care and have a nice weekend,
- S
Posted by: sparkligbeatnic at December 10, 2004 6:32 PM