2 Female Contemporary Artists Stay at a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property to Create Works, Exploring New Expressions of Lacquer / Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture (Ryotan Nikkan Shimbun)
Two female contemporary artists are staying at a tangible cultural property in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto, creating lacquer-based artworks and exploring new forms of expression.Summary
Since August, two female contemporary artists—Japanese artist Yazaki Shuko (27) and Swedish artist Theres Norgren (34)—have been staying at "Moshouan" (Kiriya family residence), a nationally registered tangible cultural property in Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, to create artworks incorporating lacquer into contemporary art. The two met three years ago at a lacquer workshop Yazaki held at an art university in Germany, where they hit it off and Norgren developed a deep interest in lacquer, a traditional Japanese craft. After returning to Japan, Yazaki sought a place for collaborative production that integrates lacquer into contemporary art, and through a family friend, Rika Furumura, who is from Fukuchiyama, she was offered the use of Moshouan, which was once a lacquer wholesaler. With cooperation from the NPO Tamba Urushi, they observed lacquer tapping in Yakuno and are currently creating works under the concept of "time." Norgren, who jogs through the village every morning, says, "Everyone is very friendly and interested in our activities. In Sweden, Japanese culture is very popular, and I love it too. Lacquer works take time and are complex, but that's a big attraction. I want to explore various expressions of lacquer during my stay." The two plan to stay until October and will hold an exhibition at "Cap House" in Kobe from October 8 to 11. Local resident Shinsuke Kobayashi says, "They actively communicate with residents and bring new stimulation and vitality to the area." Furumura, who manages Moshouan, hopes the facility will become a base for students and artists to cultivate culture, not just a place to stay.
(Source：Yahoo!ニュース)