The old Tokaido Fujisawa-shuku district is still home to historic buildings and landscapes. The "Fujisawa Past and Present Machinaka Art Tour," which aims to connect the region's traditions and culture to the future through contemporary art, is being held again this year. Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the planned invitation and exchange of artists from overseas has been postponed, but instead, seven artists from the surrounding area have participated. The "Machinaka Art" activities, set in the historical and cultural heritage of Fujisawa-shuku, will continue without interruption.
Fortunately, most of the venues are outdoors or in open spaces. Why not drop in and enjoy the event while taking proper precautions against infectious diseases?
* Click here for the report on the Fujisawa Past and Present Downtown Art Tour 2019!
The first place we visited was Sekiji Shoten Bread Store Fudo Stone Storehouse.
The space is a renovated grain storehouse that was built in 1886 and is a registered tangible cultural property of the country, and is currently operating as a bakery. We entered the store and went up to the second floor where the exhibition is held.
Two oil paintings and a three-dimensional sculpture are on display in the space with exposed earthen walls. The artist, Miho Tsuboi, spent her student days in Fujisawa and says that even now, Fujisawa is "like a garden."
"The scenery in front of the station has changed a lot, but the colors of the sea and sky and the abundance of greenery remain the same."
The title of the work, which is a cloth-covered object surrounded by thin balsa wood, is "Nest." It is said to evoke the image of something being protected and growing.
"When I was a student, I often hung out around Enoshima, so I didn't pay much attention to the old road. Walking around it again as an adult, I felt like I had rediscovered the charm of Fujisawa, seeing how these fine storehouses and old houses have been preserved and are still in use. I feel very happy finishing my work "Nest" here, protected by the earthen walls. It's also nice to hear the delicious smell of freshly baked bread wafting from the floor below (laughs)."
*The "Pan no Kura FUDO" exhibit is only open to the public during opening hours (8am - 3pm except Mondays and Tuesdays).
Next we visited 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, there are exhibits in the storehouse, garden, and the monument commemorating Emperor Meiji's visit to the rear.
Mizuki Yui is exhibiting his works inside the storehouse. It is likely that his choice of this space for the exhibition is not unrelated to the fact that he is originally from a town known for its storehouses in Fukushima Prefecture.
"I like the idea of utilizing historical buildings and other structures to exhibit my work. This time, I'm creating works based on the theme of the time that flows through this old house and its land, and I'll be exhibiting them in two locations: the storehouse and on the hill behind it (the monument marking Emperor Meiji's visit)."
Inside the storehouse are tools belonging to the people who have lived here.
"I would like to create a work that condenses the feeling of human activity and even the sound of their breathing."
In order to capture the "time" that flows through this house and land, Yui asked the fifth generation head of the Inamoto family for his cooperation.
We asked them to clasp their hands as if scooping water, took a mold of the inside of the hands, and poured in resin (rosin), creating a heart-shaped object. Even Yui was surprised by the shape.
"When resin condenses over a long period of time, it turns into amber. With this in mind, I chose it as a material to express time. I plan to make two of these and place them in the storehouse and on the hill behind it. I hope to be able to express the condensed essence of time, literally with the help of the owner."
Works by Satoru Harada are on display in the garden of the former Inamotoya building.
The theme of the work is "Old Houses Today."
The design, which is made from materials such as scraps left over from demolishing houses and entwined with electrical wires, is reminiscent of an old house with exposed wiring for installing new equipment. It is said to represent Fujisawa, where new buildings and historical structures coexist.
Harada is an outdoor art specialist who has been working with the "Mori Lab " in the forest next to Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia and Satoyama Garden for over 20 years. He was born in Fujisawa Honcho and currently lives in nearby Samukawa, but due to lack of time, this is his first time participating in the "Machinaka Art Tour."
"The city of Fujisawa is changing so much, it's surprising. But still, hidden among the big buildings, there are still traces of the old scenery, so I hope people will take a leisurely stroll and notice them."
We spoke with artist Naoaki Ito, representative of the Fujisawa Past and Present Machinaka Art Executive Committee.
"This will be the 11th time the event has been held, and there are so many different things that happen every time (laughs).
Each venue is taking measures against COVID-19, such as disinfecting, ventilating, and avoiding crowds, so if you do go out, please be mindful of your health, such as not having a fever or coughing, and wear a mask and maintain a distance from other spectators. We apologize for the inconvenience, but first of all we are pleased that we were able to hold the event."
"Although the planned visit of overseas artists did not come to Japan, there are many experienced resident artists in Japan. Surely there is something we artists can do to combat today's climate that seems to incite division. I would like to continue this modest activity, carefully weaving together these thoughts."
In addition to the above, the Fujisawa Past and Present City Art Tour 2020 will also be exhibiting at the Arita House and Fujisawa City Fujisawajuku Exchange Center. Why not enjoy a short trip to encounter contemporary art while thinking about the history of the area?
"Fujisawa Past and Present Downtown Art Tour 2019"
[Exhibition open days] October 31st (Sat), November 1st (Sun), 7th (Sat), 8th (Sun), 14th (Sat), 15th (Sun), 21st (Sat), 22nd (Sun), 23rd (Mon, holiday)
[Time] 11:00 - 16:00
*Sekiji Shoten Bakery Fudo is open from 8am to 3pm except on Mondays and Tuesdays during the event.
[Venue] Sekiji Shoten ( Pan no Kura Fudo ) , Former Inamotoya Kimono Store, Arita House, Fujisawa City Fujisawajuku Exchange Center
[Participating Artists] ASADA , Naoaki Ito, Kaoru Sasaki, Miho Tsuboi, Akira Harada, Masayuki Fushimi, Mizuki Yui
