In the old Tokaido Fujisawa-shuku area, there are still precious buildings and landscapes that convey the history and culture of the region. The Fujisawa Past and Present Art Tour 2019 was launched with the aim of presenting the need for preservation and the possibility of reusing these buildings through ongoing art, and connecting them to the future.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event, and 11 artists, including two invited from France, have gathered in Fujisawa to create their works in storehouses, townhouses, and gardens.
First up is the "Former Inamotoya Kimono Store." It was a wealthy merchant founded at the end of the Edo period, but due to a fire in 1977 and deterioration, only two storehouses remain today. This time, the storehouses, gardens, and the monument commemorating Emperor Meiji's visit are on display.
In one of the storehouses, Kaoru Sasaki is currently creating a work of art.
"In this space where you can breathe naturally, we welcome cats, birds, and rare insects."
In the other storehouse, an exhibition by Naoaki Ito, who is also the representative of the executive committee, is being held. In this cozy space with a veranda, please feel the "fluctuation and shift" that Ito is experimenting with.
Yoann Crepin, originally from Provence in southern France, is currently creating an artwork around the monument to Emperor Meiji's visit to the garden at the back. When he was invited to the exhibition, he was sent several images of different locations to consider, and he himself chose this space.
He is known for using natural materials in his work, but this time he worked on creating a piece using bamboo that grows naturally here.
"There is bamboo in France, but I have never seen anything as thick and impressive as this. This is my first time in Japan, so everything I see is new and impressive."
Yoan said he was also taught the story of "Princess Kaguya." The bamboo stumps are connected to a bamboo ring, which could represent drops of water from the sky or the trail of Princess Kaguya returning to the moon.
The artist who created the artwork at Tenjinyama is France-based artist Polska. He is active in Europe and Africa, primarily creating land art, making use of various plant fibers and stone materials.
In Japan, he has also held residency programs in Kyoto, Mino, and Shiogama, and this is his second time participating in Machinaka Art, having first done so in 2012.
"Fujisawa is a very interesting place where tradition and modernity coexist. I heard that the graves of Sengoku warlords and their descendants lie here, so I tried incorporating the image of a samurai helmet."
Here he collects leaves, twigs, bamboo, and other materials, lovingly creating each piece.
"This work is a space for meditation. Please sit here and listen to the sounds of nature."
When I sat inside the piece and looked up at the sky, I felt a natural breeze that was a little different from usual.
This is Sekiji Shoten Bread Store Fudo Stone Storehouse.
The space is a renovated grain storehouse, a registered tangible cultural property of the country that was built in 1886, and is currently operating as a bakery. While retaining the clay walls that are remnants of the storehouse, the shop has been renovated into a modern space where you can enjoy freshly baked bread and coffee.
Shinji Murakami's works are on display at "Pan no Kura FUDO," and ASADA's works are on display at "Ishigura."
*The "Pan no Kura FUDO" exhibit is only open to the public during opening hours (8am - 3pm except Mondays and Tuesdays).
We spoke with artist Naoaki Ito, representative of the Fujisawa Past and Present Machinaka Art Executive Committee.
"Fujisawa is home to many historical buildings, historic sites, and landscapes. Unfortunately, many things have been lost as the town has developed. We want to use our activities to raise awareness of the importance of cherishing our historical and cultural resources. Together with friends who share this sentiment, we launched the Fujisawa Past and Present Machinaka Art Project. We are also holding a symposium to look back on the past 10 years and explore future challenges and possibilities, and hope to contribute in a small way to improving the local educational environment."
In addition to the above, the Fujisawa Past and Present City Art Tour 2019 will also hold exhibitions and symposiums at the Former Ishisone Shoten, Arita House, and Fujisawa City Fujisawajuku Community Center. Why not enjoy a short trip to encounter contemporary art while thinking about the history of the area?
This event has ended.
"Fujisawa Past and Present Downtown Art Tour 2019 "
[Dates] Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from October 12th (Saturday) to November 4th (Monday, national holiday), 2019
[Time] 11:00-17:00
*Sekiji Shoten Pan no Kura Fudo is open from 8:00 to 15:00 from Saturday, October 12th to Monday, November 4th, 2019 (excluding Mondays and Tuesdays).
[Venue] Former Ishisone Shoten, Arita House, Tenjinyama area, Fujisawa City Fujisawajuku Community Center, Sekiji Shoten (Pan no Kura Fudo, Ishigura), Former Inamotoya Kimono Store
