27th Kyoto Art Festival: International Exhibition of Art and Design
Happening this week in Kyoto!
Category: Events
Setting Up the Gamori Print Show
Gamori Prints
What are Gamori prints? I tried looking it up in the dictionary without any success. Takeshi Ishikawa made up this word eighteen years ago for his digital prints. Wait! Eighteen years ago? High schools in Japan were just starting to use computers instead of word processors then. I never realized that he had been digital for that long! When I met him about five years ago, I thought he had just started doing digital prints. I really have to start asking more questions.
Let me explain how I know him. When four other artists and I had a show in Chiba several years ago, Ishikawa visited Space Galeria to show the owner samples of some textiles that used his artwork. The owner is a big fan of his work and encouraged him to try textile design. A hotel in Okinawa commissioned him to do some work for the linens and other pieces if I recall correctly, and he shared some of the sample terrycloth washcloths with us. By coincidence, the community centre where our group held meetings also used some of his beautiful prints on their posters and catalogues.
Space Galeria asked Joei Lau, me, and more than 30 other artists to use the artist proofs of Ishikawa’s Gamori prints and create more artwork. The show’s name, by coincidence, is “Gamori Print de Asobu” (Fun with Gamori Prints). This is not as easy as it sounds! Many of the proofs have lots of strong colours mixed with large black areas. How do you draw on that? How do you make a piece that reflects you as an artist but also pays homage to Ishikawa? Masako Otani, the curator, said we could put pieces of his prints in a blender and chop them up into small pieces like hamburger, but I do not think I would like the results if I did that. I secretly hope that somebody will take her word on that and make digital mincemeat. The sculptors in the group supposedly have it easier because they are using the paper as a medium without worrying about the surface colour or imagery. How are they going to fit all of the artwork into the gallery? All of the work will be available for sale and shown in Space Galeria from October 31 to November 10, 2013. If you want to say hello, Takeshi Ishikawa and many of the participating artists will be at the gallery on Wednesday, November 6, 2013. The results of this creative challenge could be quite interesting. We take no responsibility for the final results.
58th CWAJ Print Show
For only three days this week (Oct 10-12, 2013), you can see some of the best prints created by the finest printmakers of various nationalities in Japan. That’s right! Not everybody is Japanese. The College Women’s Association of Japan (CWAJ) organizes a show every year with proceeds from sales of prints and catalogs going to charity. Even if you have no chance to go to Tokyo, you can buy their catalog online. If you are a printmaker, you will love their catalogs! The show is usually held at the Tokyo American Club. More information is available at their website.
Yawarakai (Soft)
After a few mishaps with the trains, I made it to Chiba City to see Masako Otani, owner of Space Galleria. She is one of the coolest people you will ever meet. She also happens to run a small, private gallery on the second floor of a brick building opposite the Chiba City Art Museum. If you blinked, you would probably miss the sign on the sidewalk but you would also miss your chance to see some fine local art. Yes, she rents out the gallery to artists who are willing to pay but she also attracts those who make high-quality of work. It is always a treat to see what is on exhibit here. And unlike larger galleries, the shows are free.
The current show is Yawarakai or Soft by Noe Takahashi and is held until September 29, 2013. Older work included demon dolls and other delicate figurines, but recent work focuses on animals. Some, like the mouse from the Oriental zodiac were predictable, but others were an enjoyable surprise. Many people collect the animals from the zodiac, so these will hopefully earn her some money to help pay for the show. If interested, the mouse is on sale for 18,000 yen. Contact Space Galleria for more details.
Other pieces were straight from Japanese folklore and anime. Children are often told stories about one-eyed monsters, and Takahashi made some that can be worn on your lapel. The small clawlike creatures are available for 2000 yen, and the larger one with the Cyclops stomach is 6000 yen. I have no idea why but the round pieces with eyes are called Close Friends. I do not know where she got the eyes but they are mesmerizing!
Some pieces were obviously theatrical, such as the crow mask and purple velvet cape. I do not know if the mask was ever worn in a performance or not, but the mask is designed to be worn. It has several small holes to see where you are going and straps to secure it on your head. The beak is heavy so the mask tips forward when worn, but Takahashi is trying to lighten it somehow. The purple cape is not needed, because this crow mask is gorgeous all by itself!
The theatrical nature of the animals reminded me of a show I saw at the Winnipeg Art Gallery in the late Eighties by a local female artist whose name escapes me at the moment. Takahashi’s work, however, is smaller — a common trait of work by many Japanese artists who work and exhibit in cramped spaces.
Unlike the Canadian artist who did many figures in an installation, Takahashi mainly did individual, stand-alone pieces. I could not help but imagine how powerful some pieces, such as the wooden dog or tapir, would be if she used moulds to create ten or more figures to fill a space with an installation. She could use them to create a message and have a larger presence. She is a young artist and will hopefully have a long, successful career ahead of her if she gets some support.
Homo-, Hetero- will be held next at Space Galleria from October 3-8. (I do not know why the threes are dropping below like lowercase P’s and G’s. ) I assume that Gen Konnno (sic) is showing his latest sculptures but I do not know much more than that. The postcard is not much of a clue either. The wooden figure on the right will not be seen in the gallery. Why not? It got burnt in a fire — and not on purpose either! It ended up as the figure on the left. The burnt figure is powerful, but the two together would have been amazing! The title of the show is also interesting and suggested a dichotomy, but who knows what the actual theme of his show will be? Intriguing nonetheless and worthy of a visit.
Yes, I Colour It, but It’s All Natural.
Ningyo Monogatari: Fabled Figurines
One of the purposes of this blog is to spread information about what is happening in the art world. Unlike larger urban centres and unlike places in Canada that I am familiar with, news about exhibitions does not travel far in Kyushu or Yamaguchi. My friend introduced me to this teeny tiny artist-run gallery called the THM Gallery near Tobata Station in Kitakyushu. What a gem of a gallery! It is tucked away in a quaint house that has been renovated in an older neighbourhood and is beside one of the many ubiquitous ramen shops in the area. In North America or Europe, it would probably be near a popular tourist area or a key member or an artistic centre. You can see what it looks like on their website (in Japanese): http://whitelily.or.tv/thm/annai.html.
One of their up-and-coming shows features dolls and other figurines from private collections. European bisque dolls, dolls made by artists, Kewpie dolls that have been slightly redesigned, beaded doll clothes, carved figurines, and other figures will be on display from February 8 to February 26, 2013.
If you are wondering about the Kewpie doll, remember that this is Asia. Kewpie dolls are extremely popular here. Large art museums have featured exhibitions on the artwork of their creator whose name I cannot recall right now. They are kawaii (cute but in a very specific, Japanese sense), and that is all that counts. They are often re-appropriated by artists and companies here.
On a personal note, my favourite figure in this ad is the sheep with personality. I was lucky enough to meet the artist (nicknamed Momo-chan) at another show in Yahata.
Anybody want to play dolls after having some ramen for lunch?
Where the streets have no names
How do you get to the Konya 2023 gallery if the streets have no names? Well, you can use Google Maps or ask people (if you speak Japanese). Another helpful approach is to use a visual guide with pictures of landmarks that you can spy with your little eye along the way. I apologise for the poor picture quality. Just think of them as snaps in action…
1) Go to the area called Tenjin in Fukuoka City. 福岡市の天神という地方に行ってください。
2) Head towards Iwataya’s department store called Z-side. Z-サイド店の方に行って。
3) Go to the crosswalk behind the store (if the Starbucks in Z-side is regarded as the front). もしスターバックスはZ−サイド店の前だって、Z−サイドの後ろにある交差点に行って。
4) Cross the street and turn left. Walk towards the Apple Store and Zara, away from the Nishitetsu Grand Hotel. 道をわたる必要がある。ここでして左の方に行って、西鉄グランドホテルは後ろにしてください。ZARAとアップルストアーの方に歩いて。
5) You don’t have to walk far. Turn at what is possibly the second corner on your right. You should be able to see an Aveda banner and a bit of the shop on the second floor. (Sorry that the picture is a little blurry.) 多分2番目の角で右に曲がる。AVEDA店の看板が見れば、安心して。
6) Do some window shopping on the way. わああ！ウィンドーショッピングのチャンスだぞ！
On your right is a coffee shop and a community radio station. 右側にコーヒーショップとラジオ放送する所が見える?
7) Keep walking! Need some souvenirs? How about some from the AKB48 café and store? That is if you can fight your way through the crowds of juniour-high-school students and young men who should know better. お土産を買う必要がありますか？AKB48カフェーはいかがでしょうか？
8) You are very close now! Don’t worry! Keep walking until you see a parking lot beside a gyoza shop with what looks like a pig’s nose as its logo. もう近いです！もうちょっとますぐにして、左側にパーキングと餃子やさんが見えるでしょう。餃子屋さんのロゴは豚の鼻で、分かりやすいと思う。
9) The gallery is in the white apartment building beside the gyoza shop. Where is the entrance? Look for the round sign that has the name of an Italian restaurant. The gallery’s sign is a little hard to find because it is on a dark wall a little bit inside the building. ギャラリーは餃子屋さんんの隣の白いアパートにあります。入り口は？イタリア料理屋さんの丸い看板が見える？あそこは入り口です。Konya 2023の看板わもうちょっと奥に黒い壁にある。
10) Now go inside and head to the back of the building towards the Italian restaurant and the many motorbikes that are parked near the entrance to the stairs. もっと奥にイタリア料理屋さんとバイクのパーキングの方に行って、階段があります。
11) Now just go up to the stairs to the second floor. The gallery is the first door on your left. Open the door and come on in! 2階に行って、階段の左側に一番目のドアです。どうそ！入ってください！
See? That wasn’t so difficult after all. We will be setting up in the morning of Monday, February 11, but you can still pop by to visit. I have to work on Tuesday and Wednesday, so I will not be in the gallery then. Elida Maria Matsumoto and the gallery staff will be there, so don’t worry! I will be there starting Valentine’s day. Don’t forget the chocolate! 簡単だったんでしょう？ 11日の朝はセットアップするつもりですけど、見に来てもいいです。12日と13日は違うところで仕事があるから私はいないんで、松本さんとスタッフがいるから見に行ってもいいです。バレンタインズディーから私は毎日行くつもりです。ぜひ、見に来てください！
Postcard for Exhibition
In Japan, galleries and individuals send out postcards for their exhibitions. It is a good idea. The cards are not that large and not that expensive. These can be directly mailed to interested parties or available at galleries, cafes, and other shops for anybody to pick up and take home. Costs are usually covered by the artists.
This is the card for my upcoming show with Elida Maria in Daimyo, a trend-setting part of Fukuoka City. I love this gallery! Konya 2023 is an old apartment building where all the apartments are now used by galleries, artists, dance collectives, and other similar groups or individuals. Travel Front is the closest thing to an artist-run center like those I know in Canada. it is not a huge gallery, but many galleries in this area are small. It, however, does not have low ceilings or cater to hobbyists like some of the other places do. It is one of the few places I have seen that focus on a variety of contemporary art and design but do not focus exclusively on video or digital art. The people who run the gallery (and I think the operation of Konya 2023) are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. One apartment is also available as an inexpensive artist residence if you need somewhere to work. Highly recommended!
Look for the gyoza shop in the building next door. Go to the back of the apartment building where the Italian cafe/bar is located and then go up the stairs. The gallery is right at the top of the stairs. Hope to see you there!
One Drawing’s Success
Until I figure out how to add photos in a gallery format rather than on a page, I thought I might appease some people’s curiosity about what has been happening in the past few years. As some of you know, one drawing in particular has been attracting a lot of attention from various circles.
Celebration is a drawing done primarily with coloured pencil over a watercolour base on a gessoed wooden panel. Here I have purposefully not cropped the picture so you can get a better idea of its size. For a piece that is more than two metres (approximately six feet) on each side, people are amazed to learn that it is done in coloured pencil. One painter in Chiba had to go nearer to get a closer look after I told him; he then pretended that he knew it from the start. It was originally done for a show featuring the work of five women who wanted to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Association of Foreign Wives of Japanese (AFWJ) at their annual convention, hence the title. (More information about AFWJ is available at their website. I wanted something that would catch people’s eyes as they walked in and something that would announce that it was not an amateur show. This drawing did all that and more.
When people wanted to take a photo of themselves and their friends, where did they pose? In front of this drawing, Celebration. When RBR moved to their new location near the international school in Tokyo, they asked if they could hang this piece in their lobby. Because Joei Lau, one of the other artists in the show, worked there, I agreed. You can see my drawing if you look carefully at the photo of their entrance on the Japanese pages of their website and in the Japanese pdf of the gallery specifications. Any attention is good, right?
After the show at Space Galleria in Chiba, three of us had a mini version of the show at Sho in Chofu, Shimonoseki. The entire building was once the residence of a doctor and has been semi-preserved as a museum of sorts with a gallery space in the kura (separate building for storage). Because the building is old, the ceilings are low. The drawing would not fit the space in its original format; it had to be divided.
The six panels in a row filled the wall. I was no longer sure which I liked better, the new version or the original.
When I took it home, I decided that some art on the living-room walls would be a good idea. Once again Celebration was too large for one wall and had to be divided. After living with it on a daily basis, the new version grew on me and has become my favourite. When a friend wanted to see some pictures for possible use in a literary journal, I sent her photos of the new version. The top half appeared on the cover of Yomimono. Compliments started flying in. When an e-mail came from the Kyoto Art Festival asking me if I wanted to participate again in 2012, I knew which drawing I wanted to send.
Let’s back up a bit. I first learned about a group that displayed every year in the Kyoto Art Festival from a friend who had helped organize the show in Chiba. I religiously read the submission guidelines and sent them the smaller Summer Foliage in 2011 although I had really wanted to send all six panels of Celebration. Why? Celebration was once again too large! When I arrived at the Annex of the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, I was amazed at how large many of the other pieces were! My drawing was dwarfed by the others! Six panels would have easily fit on the walls. Also, the smaller drawing was much more realistic than most of the other artwork which was very serious and primarily in black and white. I vowed I would do things differently if I had another chance in 2012. I did not want to push my luck when I knew I would be breaking the rules so I sent only the top half in 2012.
What happened? Celebration won the Kyoto Broadcasting System award! Call me gobsmacked! After the show in Kyoto, I contacted the editor at Fukuoka Now to share the news since they had selected me as one artist of note a few years ago. I thought they might want to toot their own horn and hopefully use it as publicity for my upcoming group show in February. Once again I was surprised at what Fortune had in store for me: they wanted to do an interview. This wonderful drawing of mine and a photo of me are now glorified on page seven of the first issue of the new year. I am so excited!
I think it is not unusual for one piece to stand out in a portfolio. When the planets align, magic happens with a piece of artwork be it music, a novel, or a painting. We only hope that the magic can be replicated again and again.