Issue:
January 2024 | Exhibition
This month's FCCJ exhibition celebrates the Seto Inland Sea's transformation into an international art venue and trailblazer for sustainable development
The January exhibition takes a close look at one of Japan’s most exciting contemporary art productions and a global landmark—the Setouchi Triennale. The story of its success represents the founders enduring passion for change, an apt beginning for 2024 when the world is searching for solutions against the ever-increasing threats to our planet’s survival.
The FCCJ exhibition will delve deeper into this vision at a talk show from 5-7 pm on January 22 (Free admission).
The decision to transform the forgotten islands, located in the Seto Inland Sea, into something special began in 1988 when the creator, Soichiro Fukutake embarked on a mission to restore the landscape that was destroyed by excessive economic exploitation. The concept is based on coexistence with nature aimed at “moving hearts and stimulating the senses”.
The project has impressed the world and is a potent example of the inspiring opportunities of investing in sustainable development. Annually, more than 500,000 visitors flock to the island to experience its wonders. Some of the island’s masterpieces include the Chichu Art Museum built by renowned architect, Tadao Ando, that houses the works of Claude Monet and James Turrel, while an open-air museum on the site is also dedicated to artist, Yayoi Kusama. A new museum, tentatively named the Naoshima New Museum featuring Asian art, is slated for spring 2025.
The speakers on 22 January will be of the founders, Fram Kitagawa, head of ArtFront Gallery, which supports young artists, and artist Tomoko Konoike, who represents former Japanese survivors of Hansen's disease, otherwise known as leprosy, living on Oshima island in the Seto peninsula.
They will explain their vision and take questions from the audience. The discussion will be followed by a short reception and an opportunity for a more casual chat with the speakers.
Please come along to this important event.
Peter LyonPeter Lyon is co-chair of the Exhibitions Committee. A motor journalist and car critic who has been bssed in Japan for over 35 years, his byline has appeared in publications including Top Gear, Autocar, Car & Driver, the Sydney Morning Herald and the Herald Sun. He currently writes for Forbes in English and Forbes Japan in Japanese.
