More than 6000 art aficionados were eager to enter through the doors of Hikarie Hall over the weekend (Friday 26th and Saturday 27th May 2017) as Tokyo city hosted the third Tokyo International Art Fair organised by the Global Art Agency (GAA Ltd).

Hikarie Hall was arranged to perfection with over 150 artist and gallery stands from over 30 countries from around the world. The atmosphere was charged with positive vibes as visitors took in the wide range of original art available and took pieces they had purchased home.

Visitors were sipping away on Bombay Sapphire Cocktails sponsored by Bacardi Japan, whilst looking around to invest into a piece of original art.

Exhibitor Sabet from California who sold one of his original paintings "Snow Monkey" for a substantial price of $ 12,000. Was back again this year and performed some live painting sessions to the crowd of Tokyo. He said: "It has been yet again amazing and I'll forever be grateful to the GAA team! Cannot wait till next year!"

Exhibitor Victoriano said: "Tokyo International Art Fair 2017 has been an amazing experience, It was the first time I shown part of my new CMYK collection so I wasn't sure what to expect, but was overwhelmed by all the nice comments, and I sold my 2 star pieces. All in all a great event, thanks GAA team!"

The weekend culminated in the announcement on Saturday afternoon of the winner of the "Best Tokyo International Art Fair Artist" in by both the panel of judges and members of the public.

From left to right: LOC, Mr Vallve, Ms Dinnage, Ben Mori, Mr Maruhashi, Shinichi Tashiro.

First prize went to Japanese street artist Shinichi Tashiro (represented by TOKYO Gallery Singapore) Tashiro who is known for constructing highly inventive collages that make humorous commentaries on subjects from fashion to consumer culture. The second prize went to Ben Mori (represented by SEZON Art Gallery) who was born in Tokyo to a Japanese Father and an American Mother. After graduating from Keio Jr. High, he then attended school on the East Coast where he graduated from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, majoring in Graphic Design. And the third prize went to LOC Gallery (Hong Kong) LOC pride themselves for being a bridge for art, interior design and children's education, pushing the boundaries of what a traditional design firm should be - and our Jury agreed.

Organisers of the fair; Joëlle Dinnage and Natal Vallvé from the Global Art Agency added their appreciation to the city's reaction to the event and the enthusiasm they found from artists and visitors alike.

"TIAF 2017 was a great success not only for the big selection of exhibitors from all around the world. It was a window of what's going on in the contemporary art world nowadays due the best artists " Natal Vallvé said.

"We'll be back for more in 2018 and are already planning next year's event," they said.

For more information on next year's Tokyo International Art Fair and other forthcoming events, please visit www.tokyoartfair.com or www.globalartagency.com Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GlobalArtAgency and follow us on Twitter
https: //twitter.com/GlobalArtAgency

THE PREVIEW

"It's amazing what you can do with an E in A-Level art, a twisted imagination and a chainsaw." Damien Hirst a successful and controversial artist, born in England. His works, which include dead animal displays and spin-art paintings, have sold for exceptionally high prices. The InVogue Art Gallery (London) will be exhibiting some famous 'Skull' pieces by the well-known artist, a true must-see at the third edition of the Tokyo International Art Fair 26-27 May 2017 at Hikarie Hall, Shibuya.

Some other highlights of this year's TIAF 2017

Jackson Pollock inspired artist Ben Alan is a Parisian abstract artist expressionist currently living in Dubai. He has the ambition of painting the feeling of success and motivation. “All my paintings are a sum up of personal development books”. To access success and motivation by visuals of colourful and positive images.

Painter Anastasia Schipanova (Russia) style has evolved beyond the traditional framework of abstractionism, expressionism and symbolism. She describes her own style as ‘energo-abstractionism’. Tokyo born artist Keiko Imaizumi (Canada) was selected as the official Photographer for the Japanese Royal Family’s visit to Canada in 2007. Her latest series focuses on using metallic prints, DiBond aluminum boards and plexi glass to share an original and unique perspective that cannot be captured or represented on a computer.

Sun Gallery New York will be representing the works of Mengdi Cheng - The artist explore and express her inner thoughts and feeling through colors, strikes and lines. Swedish artist Ewa Borin famous for her oil paintings to be her pièces de résistance. Ewa aims to convey positive energy and radiate confidence through her art. Something to come and see for yourself at the art fair.

The young Latin American Artist Natasha Estanga began painting at the short age of 7 years old. She became double winner of the Ibero-american Art Fair in Caracas (FIA) in 2007 and 2008. And has been awarded with the Ashta Art Academy prize in Moscow in 2011. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Olivia Kapoor has an associate's degree in art and was the 2009 National Award Winner of the American Red Cross art competition. Olivia prefers to call her paintings a representation of "Psychedelic Abstraction".

"Life is beautiful” is a phrase that clearly applies to street artist Thierry Guetta, aka Mr. Brainwash. In just a matter of years, he went from spray-painting alleyways to selling art installations worth thousands. He even collaborated with pop star Madonna.

These artists are among the more than 112 showing their work at this year’s fair, which takes place on May 26 and 27. The event aims to showcase both rookie and veteran artists, as well as create chances for networking and buying the art on display.

As the fair runs on two days, it will also be split into private and public viewings. First up is the private, which costs ¥1,500. That provides potential buyers with first pick of the art on offer and includes a serving of Champagne. The public viewing is free, but a lot of people are expected to show up: the inaugural Tokyo International Art Fair last year welcomed more than 10,000 guests.

Dates & Times:
Friday 26th May 2017 : 18.00pm - 21.00pm
Including Champagne Reception, Private View and first opportunity to buy art.

Saturday 27th May 2017 : 11.00am - 19.00pm
Live painting, Buy Art Show, Global Art Awards Ceremony (18.00pm) FREE ENTRY

Tickets: Available here

Venue: SHIBUYA HIKARIE | HIKARIE HALL 9F. 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan zip 150-8510

Website: www.tokyoartfair.com