Event History
MONSTER Exhibition is an international art project that began in 2013, originally inspired by the overwhelming impact of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. Now in its 13th edition, MONSTER Exhibition will take place in Spring 2026 at the historic Kunstquartier Bethanien in Berlin.
What Makes this event different?
This edition offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange between Japanese and Germany-based artists, fostering dialogue through artistic expression.
“Evolving” by MONSTER Exhibition – Berlin meets Tokyo
Free Participation / International Contemporary Art Exhibition
Deadline: September 30, 2025 (Tuesday)
Please note: This open call is only open to artists currently residing in Germany.
MONSTER Exhibition is an international art project that began in 2013, originally inspired by the overwhelming impact of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.
At its core lies the symbolic theme of the Kaiju—a creature that, in Japanese culture, represents both divine nature and destructive power.
Since its launch, the exhibition has evolved into a global initiative exploring inner fears, ecological crises, and social upheavals. It has been held in major cities including Tokyo, New York, Paris, San Francisco, and Barcelona.
Now in its 13th edition, MONSTER Exhibition will take place in Spring 2026 at the historic Kunstquartier Bethanien in Berlin—a city known for its rich artistic diversity and spirit of creative experimentation.
This edition offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange between Japanese and Germany-based artists, fostering dialogue through artistic expression.
We welcome submissions from artists living in Berlin or elsewhere in Germany to participate in this non-commercial, cross-cultural exhibition.
Theme: Evolving for Monster
In this edition, we invite artists to interpret the theme “Evolving” through the symbolic lens of MONSTER.
Once a metaphor for overwhelming natural disaster and fear, the monster has transformed—now embodying inner turmoil, ecological instability, social anxiety, or even hope and rebirth.
What does it mean to evolve?
For yourself, for society, or for the world?
Contemporary art reflects not only our time, but also our internal landscapes.
Under the theme Evolving, we are seeking artworks that respond to:
- Inner impulses and emotional turbulence
- Societal dissonance or collapse
- Reverence for nature and its power
- Awe—or fear—of uncontrollable forces
The MONSTER is not only a threat, but also a mirror.
It can be personal or political, invisible or overwhelming.
We invite you to define your own MONSTER, and express its evolution.
Exhibition Overview
Title: “Evolving” by MONSTER Exhibition – Berlin meets Tokyo
Dates: April 9 (Thu) – April 12 (Sun), 2026 （Pre-Opening Preview: April 8）
Time: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (until 4:00 PM on the final day)
Venue: Kunstquartier Bethanien Berlin (Projektraum)
Organized by: Evolve Art & Design Japan
Admission: Free
Application Guidelines
Eligibility: Artists currently living in Berlin or elsewhere in Germany (no restrictions on age, nationality, or experience)
Mediums Accepted: Painting, photography, video, sculpture, installation, architecture models, ikebana, and more
Number of Works: 1 work per artist (may vary depending on space)
Application Fee: €25 (€15 for students)
Participation Fee: Free
Artwork Sales: Not permitted (non-commercial exhibition)
Selection Criteria
Works will be selected based on:
- Conceptual connection to the theme “Evolving”
- Artistic originality and clarity of expression
- Feasibility within the exhibition space
- Diversity of perspectives across cultures and mediums
Jury Panel
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of experts:
- Taro Igarashi – Architectural historian / Professor, Tohoku University / Artistic Director of Aichi Triennale 2013
- Keiko Sano – Curator, AXIS Gallery (Design & Contemporary Art)
- Ichiro Okochi – Writer for animation such as GUNDAM, Planetes, CODE GEASS
- Yasuhide Ichiji – Artist / Technical Services Department, V&A Museum London
Schedule
- Deadline: September 30, 2025 (Tue)
- Notification of Results: Late October 2025
- Individual Planning: October to mid-November (via email or Zoom)
- Setup Days: April 7, 2026 (April 8 as backup)
- Pre-Opening Preview: April 8
- Opening Reception: April 9, 2026, 6:00–8:00 PM
- Exhibition: April 9–12 (preview on April 8)
- Dismantling & Return: April 12 (4–8 PM) and April 13 (10 AM–4 PM)
