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 hard to explain.
"Tino Sehgal @ Enoura Observatory yet untitled" started here on October 4, 2019. Traditional performing arts performances have been held here in the past, but this is the first contemporary art project since the facility 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 basically 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 dimensions 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 Meigetsumon Gate, which was built as the main gate of Meigetsu-in Temple, a Rinzai sect temple of the Kenchoji school, during the Muromachi period, and head towards the location where Sehgal's "live work" will be held.
On this day, perhaps because a typhoon had just passed by 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 the "Live Work" is performed outdoors, the audience is also influenced by the temperature, the weather, and the color of the sea. Does this mean that the audience experiences nature as part of the art? 
The "live work" took place in the "open-air seating" further ahead, where several "interpreters" used their voices and bodies to create a unique space in harmony with the sounds of the wind and the birds singing.
"In Japan, the difference between nature and culture (things created by humans) is small, and I find it intriguing how 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 is meaningful for me to present my live work here." (Sehgal)
Since photography was not permitted during the "live work," I took photos of the sea, sky, and trees surrounding 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 discretion of each individual. I hope you can feel the "artistic time" that this is like.
By the way, the museum will be open to the public as usual during the project, and admission fees will be the same as usual. We recommend taking your time to explore the museum and its state-of-the-art architecture, historical buildings, and Sugimoto's artworks, including the Optical Glass Stage and the Summer Solstice Light Worship 100 Meter Gallery.
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. Watching the live work today, there is a wonderful sense of unity with the sounds of the wind and the birds singing, and I was reminded that there is an affinity with Tino's worldview."
This event has ended.
"Tino Sehgal @ Enoura Weather Observatory yet untitled"
[Period] October 4th to November 4th, 2019
[Venue] Odawara Art Foundation Enoura Weather Observatory
[Tour times] Morning session (10:00-13:00) / Afternoon session (13:30-16:30)
[Closed] Tuesdays, Wednesdays, New Year's holidays and 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 the capacity of the tickets is reached, they will not be sold on the day.
*The "Tino Sehgal @ Enoura Weather Observatory (yet untitled )" project is included in the admission fee listed above.
