The Echigo-Tsumari Art Field Triennale
This artistic event held in 200 villages in Japan aims to attract visitors to the agricultural region of Niigata.
‘Periscope／Light Cave’, by Ma Yansong / MAD Architects. Photographed by Osamu Nakamura.
Since it was created in 2000 by Fram Kitagawa, head of the Art Front Gallery in Tokyo, the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field Triennale has invaded almost 200 villages in Japan, each time to give a new lease of life to the agricultural region of Niigata, a victim of urban migration. Over 350 projects are presented over 51 days by artists from all over the world. For the 2018 edition, the headliner of the event was Tunnel of Light, a restoration of the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel undertaken by architectural studio MAD Architects.
The works are exhibited across the region’s six municipalities. It’s a way of linking cultural activities with discovery of the local culture, Niigata prefecture being Japan’s main rice-growing region. In the long term, the population in these areas may increase, similarly to the momentum created by the Setouchi triennale, where schools, restaurants, and galleries have opened their doors on certain islands.
More information on the next editions of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field Triennale can be found on its website.
‘Palimpsest: pond of sky’, by Leandro Erlich.
‘The Last Class’, by Christian Boltanski＋Jean Kalman. Photographed by ANZAЇ.
‘Tsumari in Bloom’, by Yayoi Kusama. Photographed by ANZAЇ.
‘Théâtre d’ombres (Theatre of Shadows)’, by Christian Boltanski.
‘Welcome’, by Barthélémy Toguo.
TRENDING
-
The Tattoos that Marked the Criminals of the Edo Period
Traditional tattoos were strong signifiers; murderers had head tattoos, while theft might result in an arm tattoo.
-
The Tradition of the Black Eggs of Mount Hakone
In the volcanic valley of Owakudani, curious looking black eggs with beneficial properties are cooked in the sulphurous waters.
-
Hiroshi Nagai's Sun-Drenched Pop Paintings, an Ode to California
Through his colourful pieces, the painter transports viewers to the west coast of America as it was in the 1950s.
-
‘Sawa’, a Fruity Japanese Cocktail
Available in several sweet flavours to mask the bitterness of shochu, ‘Sawa’ is a staple of Japanese bars.
-
‘I'm So Happy You Are Here’, A History of Japanese Women in Photography
Long overlooked, the works of Japanese female photographers are finally being celebrated through a new book and exhibition.
