A Special Exhibition Announcement: Capturing the Light organized by the Executive Committee for Art Kogei, from Japan to the World

The Executive Committee for Art Kogei, from Japan to the World' (co-organised by Kyoto Prefecture/MUIC Kansai in cooperation with Warehouse TERRADA and LanDream Inc.) aims to expand the market by increasing the international value of Japanese arts and crafts and developing them into cultural resource content that attracts the world. The special exhibition will be held at TERRADA ART COMPLEX II BONDED GALLERY, an art complex operated by Warehouse TERRADA, from 1 (Wed) to 21 (Tue) November. Curated by Mari Hashimoto, Director of Kankitsuzan Art Museum Establishment Preparation Office, (Odawara Art Foundation Enoura Observatory), the exhibition will feature works by six artists and valuable artwork from the Kyoto Prefecture collection, based on the concept of 'capturing the lights'.

In the global market, Japanese arts and crafts (Art Kogei), highly esteemed alongside art pieces, have garnered even more attention due to the increasing number of collectors, particularly in Europe and the United States. The Executive Committee for Art Kogei, from Japan to the World has been promoting various cultural tourism projects to enable people to experience Japan's cultural resources, with the expectation of further growth, as international tourism from various countries is reinvigorated after the pandemic. These efforts have received high praise both domestically and internationally. “Art Kogei Exhibition at Hogonin Temple, Tendai-ji (Kyoto)” in 2022 and the special exhibition Capturing the Light in 2023 have been selected as part of the Japan Tourism Agency's 'Creation of Profitable Signature Products for Regional Utilization of Unique Tourism Resources (FY2022)' and 'Tourism Restart Project (FY 2023),' respectively.

Furthermore, the special exhibition Capturing the Light is also scheduled to be exhibited at a domestic airport, which serves as a gateway for inbound tourists, around January 2024. This initiative aims to offer the beauty of Art Kogei to a broader audience of inbound tourists. And through the videos featuring artists and their creative processes on social media, we intend to convey the profound allure of these art forms, contributing to raising awareness in the global market and the creation of new value.

●Special Exhibition Capturing the Light

Dates: November 1, 2023 (Wednesday) - November 21, 2023 (Tuesday)Time: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Last day: until 5:00 PM)
*On October 31, 2023 (Tue), a preview for VIPs and media is scheduled.
*Closed on Mondays.
Admission: Free
Venue: TERRADA ART COMPLEX II BONDED GALLERY
(4F, 1-32-8 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0002)
Access: Approximately 8 minutes by walk from the Rinkai Line Tennozu Isle Station, Exit B
Approximately 11 minutes by walk from the Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line Tennozu Isle Station, Central Exit
Organized by: Executive Committee for Art Kogei, from Japan to the World
Co-organized: Kyoto Prefecture / MUIC Kansai
Supported by: Warehouse TERRADA and LanDream Inc.

Official website: https://artkogei.com/
Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@user-uo7gk6xk4m/videos
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japan_bijyutsu_kogei/
Official RED: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/6172e75800000000020215e4
Official Bilibili: https://space.bilibili.com/1616473698

The exhibition concept goes beyond the stereotypical 'In Praise of Shadows' and focuses on the Japanese sensibility towards 'light,' which exists in tandem with both shadow and illumination. In Japan, even the source of light itself is referred to as 'kage' (shadow). The concept delves into the profound aspects of craftsmanship, emphasizing 'Radiance from the Depths.' This concept explores a wide range of variations in the expression of light, not limited to flat or bright light, but encompassing mottled, semi-transparent light that filters through Japanese paper, light that carries darkness, light with infinite colors, and achromatic light. The exhibition introduces a diverse array of materials and techniques that bring these various expressions of light to life.

About the artist https://artkogei.com/#2

・Maki Imoto (Glass)
・Tomoko Eri (Kirikane)・Kamisoe (Karakami)・Tomonari Hashimo (Ceramic)・Kondaya Genbei (Texitle)・Shinya Yamamura (Urushi Lacquer)
・Uichi Shimizu (Ceramic) *Collection of Kyoto Prefecture (The Museum of Kyoto)

Tourism Agency/Tourism Restart Project https://kankosaishido.jp/

The aim of this project is to facilitate a full recovery of inbound tourism as part of the revival of a tourism-oriented nation. It seeks to create special experiences and limited-time initiatives in various fields such as nature, culture, food, sports, and more, which will act as catalysts for the recovery of tourism throughout Japan. These initiatives will be communicated to the world, contributing to the substantial recovery of inbound tourism.

For media:There will be a press tour on October 31 (Tuesday), 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.For inquiries about participation in the press tour, exhibition coverage, or press kits, please contact below.
Contact: Yukiko Shiino
E-mail: info@artkogei.com