“YBA & BEYOND: British Art in the 90s” Exhibition Opens at the National Art Center, Tokyo

A new exhibition, “YBA & BEYOND: British Art in the 90s from the Tate Collection,” opened at the National Art Center, Tokyo on February 11, 2026 and will run through May 11, 2026. The exhibition focuses on the function of the Young British Artists (YBAs) and their impact on the British art scene of the 1990s, drawing from the collection of the Tate Museum.

The Rise of Cool Britannia and a New Artistic Wave

The 1990s in Britain marked a cultural shift following the end of Margaret Thatcher’s 11-year government in 1990. Amidst economic challenges and social divisions, a wave of creativity emerged across various fields, challenging traditional norms. This period saw the rise of “Cool Britannia,” a national branding strategy promoted by the Blair government to showcase British culture and creativity on the world stage.

Cultural Icons of the 1990s

The 1990s produced iconic figures across multiple disciplines:

• Music: Bands like Oasis and Blur spearheaded the Britpop movement.
• Fashion: Supermodel Kate Moss popularized grunge fashion.
• Literature: Author Irving Welsh’s novel, Trainspotting, published in 1993 and adapted into a 1996 film, became a defining work of British cinema.

The Young British Artists (YBAs)

The exhibition at the National Art Center, Tokyo, highlights the experimental endeavors of the YBAs, a generation of artists who gained prominence during this period. Their innovative creations are central to understanding the artistic landscape of 1990s Britain.

About the National Art Center, Tokyo

The National Art Center, Tokyo, opened in 2007, and operates as a unique art center without a permanent collection. It provides a vast exhibition space – one of the largest in Japan, at 14,000 square meters – for temporary exhibitions and events. Learn more about the National Art Center, Tokyo. The building itself, designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa, is noted for its modern architecture and integration of natural light and energy efficiency. Discover more about the center’s architecture and purpose.

Upcoming Exhibitions at the National Art Center, Tokyo

In addition to “YBA & BEYOND,” the National Art Center, Tokyo will also host “HANAE MORI Vital Type: The 100th Anniversary of Birth” from April 15 to July 6, 2026. Current exhibitions include the 2026 Hanbi Exhibition (March 4-16, 2026) and the SOUGEN CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION (March 5-15, 2026). View the full exhibition schedule.