An artist who leaves no records descends upon Enoura Observatory! Experience a time when nature and art resonate together

A world of art to visit, see and feel
File.20 Tino Sehgal @ Enoura Weather Station yet untitled
Miyuki Inoue (Magcal Editorial Department)

The Odawara Art Foundation Enoura Observatory is an art space designed by contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. The site overlooking the sea is home to buildings that utilize the latest technology, historical structures, and stones with various stories, creating a fascinating space that is difficult to describe.

"Tino Sehgal @ Enoura Observatory yet untitled" began here on October 4, 2019. While the museum has previously hosted performances of traditional performing arts, this is the first contemporary art project since it opened in October 2017.

Tino Sehgal was born in London in 1976 and is currently based in Berlin. He recently choreographed for the Paris Opera Ballet, and is known for his spontaneous works that essentially leave no records. In other words, his works remain only in the memories of the visitors who witness them.

"My work is four-dimensional (editor's note: three-dimensional plus time) . I have no problem with it being recorded in text, but I don't want it to be photographed or filmed and left as a two-dimensional work," Sehgal said.

After checking in at the waiting building, you will pass through the Meigetsumon Gate, which was built as the main gate of Meigetsuin Temple, a Rinzai sect temple of the Kenchoji school, during the Muromachi period, and head towards the location where Segal's "live work" will be held.
On this day, perhaps because a typhoon had just passed in the distance, the sea and sky were as blue as midsummer, but the wind was strong and the surrounding trees were rustling loudly.
Since "Live Work" takes place outdoors, the audience is influenced by the temperature, the weather, and the color of the sea. It seems that they experience nature as part of the art.

The "live work" took place in the "open-air tea ceremony seating" further ahead, where several "interpreters" used their voices and bodies to create a unique atmosphere in harmony with the sounds of the wind and birdsong.

"In Japan, the difference between nature and culture (things created by humans) is small, and I'm intrigued by the way the traditional world and the modern world are connected. This place in particular allows me to express myself while feeling the sea and nature, so it's meaningful for me to present my live work here," says Sehgal.

Photography of the "live work" was strictly prohibited, so I took photos of the sea, sky, and trees that surrounded the outdoor tea ceremony seats. There was no set time for each movement, and like the wind blowing across the sea, the timing of the start and end was left to the individual. I hope you can feel the "artistic time" that this was like.

By the way, the museum will be open to the public as usual during the project, and admission fees will remain the same. We recommend taking your time to explore the museum and take in the latest architecture, such as the Optical Glass Stage and the Summer Solstice Light Worship 100 Meter Gallery, as well as historical buildings and Sugimoto's artworks.

We spoke with Mr. Sugimoto, the founder of the foundation.
"This is our first contemporary art project, but Tino's passion has led us to hold this event. One of the aims of Enoura Observatory is to enjoy art in the natural surroundings of Odawara. After watching the live work today, I was reminded that there is a wonderful sense of unity with the sounds of the wind and birdsong, and that there is a strong affinity with Tino's worldview."

This event has now ended.
"Tino Sehgal @ Enoura Weather Observatory (yet untitled)"
[Period] October 4th to November 4th, 2019
[Venue] Odawara Art Foundation Enoura Observatory
[Tour times] Morning session (10:00-13:00) / Afternoon session (13:30-16:30)
[Closed] Tuesdays, Wednesdays, New Year's holidays, and other special closing days
[Fee]
・If you purchase tickets in advance online → Morning and Afternoon sessions: 3,000 yen (excluding tax)
・For same-day tickets → Morning and afternoon sessions: 3,500 yen (excluding tax)
*If same-day tickets are sold out, they will not be sold.
*The "Tino Sehgal @ Enoura Observatory yet untitled " event is included in the admission fee above.