January 2024 Exhibition: The Setouchi Art Story
Japan’s most exciting contemporary art productions -"The Setouchi Triennale"
January 6 - February 2, 2024
©Shintaro Miyawaki: Kinoshita Kabuki / ©Takashi Kuribayashi: Tree of Ibuki
©Keizo Kiyoko: The Time of the Beginning
The January exhibition takes a close look at one of Japan’s most exciting contemporary art productions of a global landmark- the Setouchi Triennale. The story of its success represents the founder’s enduring passion for change, a fitting beginning for 2024 when the world is searching for solutions against ever-increasing issues that threaten our planet’s survival.
The Setouchi Triennale was started in 2010 by Kagawa prefecture to expand the activities of Benesse Art Site Naoshima, which was launched in 1988 by Soichiro Fukutake, (the Honorary Advisor of Benesse Holdings, Inc / the Honorary Chairman of Fukutake Foundation) to transform the forgotten islands located on Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. Approximately 1 million visitors from Japan and abroad visit the islands to experience the wonders. The concept is based on coexistence with nature aimed at “moving hearts and stimulating the senses” to make visitors think about the concept of “Well-Being”.
The Triennale's projects revolve around the theme of the "Restoration of the Sea," featuring site-specific works and workshops. These initiatives involve not only Japanese artists but also artists from overseas.
Bruce Osborn (Exhibition Committee Chair)
Peter Lyon (Co-Chair)