Even though the Tokyo Biennale only occurs once every two years, the organisers and artists are always busy with open calls, sideshow exhibits, and workshops. Having said that, the Tokyo Biennale officially began on September 23 and will continue with events and programmes through November 5, 2023. Here’s what you can expect to see at this art exhibition.
What Is Tokyo Biennale About?
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The Biennale now upholds its global reputation by inviting a diverse mix of artists and creators from throughout the world for its second edition in 2023. Here is a list of the projects, exhibitions, and participating artists for the Tokyo Biennale 2023. The lineup for this year features both local and foreign artists who work in a variety of media, including music, performance art, and visual art.
For instance, photographer Risaku Suzuki will place his work, “Mirror Portrait – Lighting up a Corner,” at Okachimachi’s Toeizan Kan’ei-ji Temple, which dates back to the 17th century. Mirror reflections were used in the photography for this series to represent relationships that span both time and location. You can sense the absence of certain people or distant locations through these images.
At the same location, Yusuke Nishimura will present his installation “Echo Works.” It includes an ekobashira pagoda made of clay collected from the surrounding area of the temple. Meanwhile, media artist Marco Barotti will display sculptures in Nihonbashi that employ artificial intelligence to simulate the behaviour of coral. The goal of this exhibition is to strengthen the bond between people and the natural world.
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Other Artists And Their Works
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Some artists, like the Melbourne-based Slow Art Collective run by Chaco Kato and Dylan Martorell, will have exhibitions of their work spread throughout multiple districts. Their artistic endeavours frequently deal with intercultural harmony. As a result, it incorporates components of public engagement. Since the works were made with natural materials like bamboo and rope as well as objects found in the city, there is also an emphasis on sustainability.
Many artists and project organisers have issued an open call to the public to participate in a variety of installations in the spirit of celebrating connectedness. For instance, those who no longer use their suitcases are urged to donate them to Tokyo Art Farm. With the help of this effort, used things will be given a second chance at life by being transformed into planters for a neighbourhood garden near Tokyo Station.
The Tenmasen Ship Project, which will drop 10,000 model boats onto the Nihonbashi River on October 1, is another public art project. For anyone who pays ¥1,000 by September 24 to support this endeavour, organisers will affix custom flags to the boats. The majority of the installations of the Tokyo Biennale 2023 can be viewed without charge.
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In addition, many of the projects and works are created in open areas since the festival’s organisers want to promote community and connection among locals and tourists from around the world.
Cover Image Courtesy: Tokyo Biennale/ Facebook