The "Asia Corridor Contemporary Art Exhibition," currently being held at Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Art Center in Kyoto, features approximately 33 works by 25 artists from Japan, China, and Korea from August 19th to October 15th. We'll introduce you to some of the highlights of this fantastical exhibition, which weaves together historical architecture and East Asian contemporary art.

The "Asia Corridor Contemporary Art Exhibition" is the main program of a project in which one city is selected each year by the governments of Japan, China, and Korea. It aims to promote mutual understanding in East Asia through the power of culture and further develop the host city. In 2017, Kyoto City will host a variety of exhibitions and events, including contemporary art, theater, music, manga, and anime, from August to November.

The first thing that catches your eye at the Nijo Castle venue is "Fruit Tree" by Seoul-based artist Choi Jeong-hwa. This giant balloon displayed in the front garden of the "Kitchen" is a tree overflowing with fruit and vegetables, intended to "provide a space of relaxation in another dimension."

Choi Jeong-hwa, "Fruit Tree" (2015)

Stepping into the dimly lit "Kitchen," you'll be greeted by two works by Choi Jeong-hwa. While admiring the high ceilings and airy architecture of the "Kitchen," which is normally closed to the public, your eyes will be drawn to "Alchemy," a crystal sculpture made from plastic bowls, and "Nirvana," a giant radish balloon lying behind the entrance. "Nirvana" is based on the daikon radish depicted in "Vegetable Nirvana" by Ito Jakuchu, a work Choi admires.

Choi Jeong-hwa, "Nirvana" (2017)

Next up is Yayoi Kusama's "Venus de Milo Vanishing in an Infinite Net" and Aiko Miyanaga's "Knot (Nijo Castle)," in which salt crystals grown from various seawaters are tied to a single thread. In the adjacent exhibition room, Kim Soo-ja's mirrored work, "Encounter - Woman in the Mirror," is on display. Other must-sees include "Chapter 4: I Love Xijing - The Daily Life of the President of Xijing," a video work by Xijingren, a group of three artists from Japan, China, and Korea, who talk about the fictional country of Xijing, and Tsai Guoqiang's "Bonsai Boat: A Project for Kyoto, Culture City of East Asia 2017," which is on display in the courtyard overlooking the kitchen. "Bonsai Boat" is a relocated wooden boat that was originally installed in a pond on the grounds of Todaiji Temple during the Culture City of East Asia 2016 in Nara City. It is a work that symbolizes the exhibition's theme of "the mutual survival of the cultures of East Asian countries."


Cai Guoqiang, "Bonsai Boat," 2017
Project for Culture City of East Asia 2017, Kyoto

Another impressive piece is Mishima Ritsue's "Light is Always There," displayed in the moat pond at the end of the vast Ninomaru and Honmaru gardens. Gazing at the glittering sight of around 600 pieces of Venetian glass floating on the water's surface, you'll feel as if you've traveled back in time to a distant past. This contemporary art exhibition, which suddenly appeared on the grounds of the former Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site, provides a vivid contrast with the dignified atmosphere of the venue, making for an unforgettable art experience. With many outdoor exhibits and many works that can be photographed, we hope you'll enjoy the pleasure of strolling through the "East Asian Art Corridor." Many works are also on display at the Kyoto Art Center, an art facility renovated from a former elementary school that is a registered tangible cultural property.

Ritsue Mishima, "Light is Always There" (2017)


【Event Information】
"Culture City of East Asia 2017 Kyoto Asia Corridor Contemporary Art Exhibition"
■Former Imperial Villa Nijo Castle
Dates: August 19th - October 15th
Address: 541 Nijojo-cho, Nijo-dori Horikawa Nishiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 8:45am - 5:00pm (last entry at 4:00pm). The Daidokoro and Southeast Corner Tower of the Ninomaru Palace are open from 9:00am - 4:45pm. Admission fee: 600 yen for the contemporary art exhibition (separate admission fee to Nijo Castle required)
■Kyoto Art Center
Dates: August 19th - October 15th
Address: 546-2 Yamabushiyamacho, Takoyakushi-sagaru, Muromachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 10:00 - 20:00
Admission fee: Free