This year sees the launch at TWS of the "Emerging/Master" series of exhibitions showcasing early, or "emerging" work as well as current offerings from prominent mid-career artists ("masters"). For the landmark first show in the series we are delighted to welcome Makoto Aida, a Japanese artist of international stature, in a presentation of work from the early years of Aida's career, when he was an emerging artist like those featured in the TWS-Emerging show run by TWS as part of its ongoing support for young artistic talent. To coincide with the exhibition Aida will allow public access as he works on his current focus, the Monument for Nothing series. This first Emerging/Master will also introduce the practice of emerging artists in Aida's intimate circle.

What is art, or fine art, or contemporary art; what are the arts? That which is predicated on such a question is probably destined to perish in the not-too-distant future. Whether it be art or not, the only thing to endure down the generations will be making what one wants to make or ought to make, or living the way one wants to live and leaving something as a trace of it. I apologize for saying this, but right now art academics are witchdoctors, fatal to those who heed their advice. This show represents part of this day-to-day conviction of mine.

- AIDA Makoto