Stunning Art and Nature! Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival 2022

Experience the Nature, Folklore, and History of Sado through Art!

Photo by Pixta
Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival is an annual art event held on Sado Island in Niigata. Sado is renowned for its stunning nature, traditional performing arts, and gold mining history. Due to its rich gold resources, the island flourished as a domain under the direct rule of the shogunate during the Edo period (1603-1868).

Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival Project 2022 is held from August 7 through October 9. The festival's concept－“The Port of Return for the Past and the Future”－refers to the history of Sado Island as a port where various regional cultures met and interacted, as well as to its current role as a cradle that nurtures the creation of contemporary art.

Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival Project 2022 Official Website

Highlights of Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival Project 2022

Picture courtesy of Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival

During the festival, the island will be transformed into a massive and immersive open-air art exhibition, showcasing artwork by more than 15 talented artists and creative units from Japan and from around the world.

The artwork is site-specific, drawing inspiration from local history and folklore. The displays blend with the natural environment as though the art were a part of the island itself. While the main exhibition venue is just an 8-minute walk away from Ryotsu Port, visitors can find art exhibits at various other locations around the island.

Below we introduce three works that we highly recommend.

“Milky Way—for all human beings” by Mihoko Ogaki

“Milky Way—for all human beings” by Mihoko Ogaki

Artist Mihoko Ogaki has created an inspirational art installation where human forms glitter and emit light like the Milky Way. Her work reminds us that we're all a part of one galaxy, at the same time hinting at the brevity and fragility of life.

This art installation can be seen at the TAACHI venue near Ryotsu Port.

“Zeami Equinox Boat: Golden Cruising” by Kao Terada

“Zeami Equinox Boat: Golden Cruising” by Kao Terada

In 1434, the Noh performer and playwright Zeami (1363-1443) was exiled to Sado Island.

Artist Kao Terada has created her vision of the studio where Zeami worked during his stay in Sado. This boat-shaped studio with echoes of the afterlife is located among the Iwakubi Shoryu Terraced Rice Paddies facing the Sea of Japan. When fall reaches the island and the rice paddies become golden, the studio looks like a boat that departs to the opposite shore.

“Enso/Lifecycle” by Ethan Estess

“Enso/Lifecycle” by Ethan Estess

Artist and marine scientist Ethan Estess' work is inspired by the Zen concept of ensō, a perfect circle drawn in one single, fluid stroke.

The circle of this piece, framing the lake behind it, is made from plastic fishing rope and represents his hope that all plastic will be recycled. This display can be seen on the lakeshore just beside caMoco café Lake ASOBi, a traditional boathouse turned cafe.

List of Works on Display at Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival Project 2022

Enjoy Amazing Art on Sado Island!

Sado can be easily reached from Niigata by ferry and Jetfoil. The island is a popular destination for nature, hot spring, and history lovers; it boasts excellent hotels and ryokans, as well as restaurants where visitors can enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

Picture courtesy of Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival

There are several art tours available for those who wish to see all the festival exhibits and fully enjoy the charm of Sado Island. Artists, folklore researchers, and other people with deep knowledge about Sado will be your guides!

Some of the tours include locations that are not usually featured on tourist maps but are an integral part of daily life on Sado such as old shrines and Noh theater stages. For details, please visit the official website of Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival Project 2022.

Don't miss out on this amazing art festival! It's a chance to explore an entirely different world!

Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival Project 2022 Information

Venue: Multiple venues throughout Sado Island
Schedule: August 7 (Sunday) - October 9 (Sunday), 2022
Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (opening times may vary depending on venue)
Fees: Adults: 2,500 yen for tickets at the venue. Children: 2,000 yen for tickets at the venue. Junior high school students and under: free.
*Exhibition passes are available for purchase on Peatix
Official Website: https://sado-art.com/en

Writen by Kat
Main image: “Ensō/Lifecycle” by Ethan Estess
All pictures courtesy of Sado Island Galaxy Art Festival