The Universe of Yukinori Yanagi Lands at Pirelli HangarBicocca

The artistic vision of Yukinori Yanagi takes center stage at Pirelli HangarBicocca with ICARUS, the first major European retrospective dedicated to the Japanese artist. Born in Fukuoka in 1959 and long based on Momoshima Island, Yanagi uses art as a tool to challenge concepts of identity and sovereignty, urging us to rethink reality in an increasingly globalized world.

Until July 27th, his large-scale installations and sculptures will occupy the Navate and the Cubo of the exhibition space, showcasing works spanning from the 1990s to today. Among them, Ant Farm—first presented at the Venice Biennale in 1993 and now reimagined in Milan—stands out: a striking piece consisting of 200 national flags made of colored sand, gradually eroded by colonies of ants. A visual metaphor for the fragility and impermanence of national symbols over time.

Curated by Vicente Todolí with Fiammetta Griccioli, the exhibition had an exclusive preview the other night, attracting leading figures from the international art and cultural scene. A true parterre de rois, featuring artists such as Rirkrit Tiravanija, Maurizio Cattelan, and Grazia Toderi, who, along with Yanagi, participated in the 45th Venice Biennale in 1993. The event also welcomed legendary Pink Floyd keyboardist Anthony Moore and renowned designer Jasper Morrison. Among the prominent guests from the art world were Ashley Rawlings of Blum Gallery, the artistic directors of miart and Artissima, Nicola Ricciardi and Luigi Fassi, as well as numerous museum directors, including Lorenzo Balbi from MAMbo in Bologna, Gianfranco Maraniello from Milan’s Museo del Novecento, and Alberto Salvadori from Fondazione ICA in Milan.

The Milan exhibition encapsulates Yanagi’s lifelong exploration of deconstructing official narratives and analyzing globalization’s role in reshaping borders and identities. “Art is not compatible with economic activity, but it is the only thing that allows for critical thinking,” the artist stated. After decades away from Italy, his return offers a rare chance to rediscover one of contemporary art’s quietest yet most powerful voices.

Text: Germano D’Acquisto
Photos: Ludovica Arcero