w/ 024 DJ

type: object / image / text
function: exhibition
location: WATARI-UM, jingumae, tokyo
floor: 100m2(2F), 40m2(3F), 50m2(4F)
collaborator: tanuki(graphic), ort(installation), sunjunjie.studio(CGI), and so on…
date: 2026.2.15 – 6.7

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Curatorial design and exhibition text for the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art’s “JUDD | MARFA” exhibition. This marks Judd’s first solo exhibition in Japan in nearly 25 years, as well as his first solo exhibition at the Watari Museum (formerly Galerie Watari) in 50 years.

The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by Mario Botta, features a simple geometric form. However, its three-dimensional composition is complex. Windows are arranged symmetrically across the façade, excluding the stairwell on the left side, relative to the overall isosceles right triangle plan. The second and third floors are connected via a double-height space, and light pours in through the fourth-floor windows. Applying Judd’s concept of “reasonable asymmetry,” which he sought in spatial design, to this complex spatial composition born from the collision of simple planar forms and symmetrical elevations, we attempt to arrange the architectural elements and artworks themselves as “clear” entities.

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Specifically, works will be displayed on the brick walls along the exterior façade, while text elements, such as captions, will be displayed on concrete surfaces, like elevator cores. These elements will organize the sequence of visitors. The layout will ensure that viewers have sufficient distance from the exhibits. This means adjusting the layout so that walls forming the long sides of triangles or cylindrical walls do not obstruct the view. The layout and fixture placement will blend with the spatial quality of Botta’s architecture, achieving maximum effect with minimal intervention. This means arranging two-dimensional works symmetrically or installing boundaries that correspond with the black baseboards.

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PV: But in the Block, you have beds all over the place.
DJ: Yes, because in order to live with the art, you have to be relatively comfortable. Also, I like for the rooms that have art to have some sort of function. It doesn’t have to be so great, but if you can sit there and have a drink, or eat, or lie down, or read, then you look at the work. Because you can’t look at the art, I think, as we’re supposed to in museums and galleries,really. You walk in, you look at it, you walk out, and that’s it. I can’t see anything that way.

(Donald Judd Interviews, p.548.)

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The exhibition text explains 13 keywords and seven architectural projects (see the list below). The text aims to explain Judd’s transition from two-dimensional paintings to three-dimensional objects, his relocation from New York to Marfa (and then Europe), and his approach to materials, exhibitions, and furniture as simply as possible. As visitors ascend the Watarium floors, they will gain a deeper understanding of Judd’s work. The second and third floors have exhibits consisting of paintings, objects, and furniture, while the fourth floor has a section introducing documents from Gallery Watari and Marfa.

  1. はじめに(Introduction)
  2. 3次元のオブジェクト(Three-dimensional objects)
  3. ニューヨーク(New York)
  4. 2次元平面から3次元立体へ(From paintings to objects)
  5. 明快な色彩としての赤(Red as a color that defines objects)
  6. 素材について(Materials)
  7. 良い椅子とは良い椅子なのだ(A good chair is a good chair)
  8. パーマネントインスタレーション(Permanent installation)
  9. ギャルリー・ワタリ「ジャッド展」(Exhibition in Galerie Watari)
  10. マーファ(Marfa)
  11. 建築的介入について – 初期構想・空間の分割・アートと生活の融合
    (Judd’s architectural interventions – Initial Idea / Division of Space / Integration of Art and Living)
  12. 建築的介入について – 最小限の介入としての開口部
    (Judd’s architectural interventions – Altering Openings as Minimum Intervention)
  13. 十字扉のCG制作について(Pivot door)
    • 初期構想(Ideas for Enclosure)
    • カサ・ペレス(Casa Perez)
    • マンサナ・デ・チナティ(La Mansana de Chinati / the Block)
    • アリーナ(Arena)
    • チェンバレン・ビルディング(Chamberlain Building)
    • アート・スタジオ(Art Studio)
    • アヤラ・デ・チナティ(Ayala de Chinati)

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Doing good architecture for less money I think is the main idea. (DJI, p.549)

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As Judd himself stated, his secondary interest in architecture was precisely what made the quality of space at Marfa possible. While it is difficult to recreate such a space in central Tokyo, Judd’s attitude toward space may resonate with the approach of striving to produce maximum effect with minimal intervention. Reconsidering this in contemporary Japan is significant not only for art, but also for architecture.

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The one-quarter swiveled at the Chamberlain Building, then one-half of a door swiveled, so that led to the idea of a whole swiveling gate.  (DJI, p.551)

By creating the exhibition text in conjunction with the venue layout, I became deeply involved in selecting the works, effectively taking on a curatorial role. Consequently, the “JUDD | MARFA” exhibition can also be viewed as an architectural exhibition curated by an architect. In that sense, the spaces on the second and third floors feel particularly opulent, and the archival display on the fourth floor is comparable to conventional architectural exhibitions. The attempt to exhibit the quality of space that Judd aspired to may have been achieved by employing the form of an exhibition.

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01.Artillery Sheds(1979-86) Exterior

A building that once served as artillery storage for a military facility has been installed with 100 aluminium works by Judd. In order to stop leaks, Judd added a vaulted roof to the previously flat-roofed space, thereby doubling the building’s height and altering its proportions.

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02.Whyte Building(1990) Exterior

A swivel door has been added to the building, which previously served as a storage barn. This is one of Judd’s methods of introducing architectural changes to existing spaces while keeping intervention to a minimum.

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03.Arena(1980-84) Exterior

Originally an aircraft hangar, later used as a gym and indoor riding hall. The cross doors, frequently featured in Judd’s architectural interventions, functions as a gate here by being positioned independently outdoors.

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04.Casa Perez(1983-87) Interior

About an hour’s drive from Marfa lies the ranch house, which is located in an area called Ayala de Chinati. The relationship between the exhibition space, the living space and the positioning of the opening is perfect within its most private spaces.

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05.Whyte Building(1990) Interior

Judd favoured natural light and drew it through the swivel door that he installed. He corresponded the depth and brightness of the space with the light, and determined the layout of the furniture and two-dimensional works in relation to it.

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06.Arena(1980-84) Interior

Some existing openings have been left as they are, some have been filled in while retaining a recess, and some have been filled in without leaving a recess. Judd’s thoughtful approach to openings is evident here.

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7.La Mansana de Chinati / the Block(1973-1994) West building Interior

Originally an aircraft hangar, later used as a warehouse. A unique feature is the placement of a bed alongside Judd’s work. It’s a fusion of exhibition and living spaces.

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8.La Mansana de Chinati / the Block(1973-1994) West building Interior

The position of the entrance door has been adjusted to accommodate the permanent installation. This is one example of Judd’s emphasis on sequence in his renovation.

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09.La Mansana de Chinati / the Block(1973-1994) Winter garden

Judd repeatedly attempted to create courtyard-like external spaces by enclosing areas. The Winter Garden is situated in a corner of Manzana de Chinati, with a pool at the front of the garden and benches and windows overlooking the outside of the property at the rear.

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10.Chamberlain Building(1080-86) Interior

John Chamberlain’s work is installed in an area that used to be a fabric warehouse. Judd was interested in how space is divided. Cross doors are also used to divide and connect spaces.

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