"In BEPPU," an art festival in the form of a solo exhibition featuring world-renowned artist Anish Kapoor, will be held at Beppu Park in Oita from October 6th to November 25th.

"Sky Mirror" 2006 Stainless steel Diameter 10m Photo: Tim Mitchell ©Anish Kapoor, 2018
Every year, "In BEPPU" is an art festival in the form of a solo exhibition that invites one internationally acclaimed artist to Beppu to create an art project that makes use of the local characteristics. Following on from Nishino Tatzu and the contemporary art activity team "Me," this year's guest is Anish Kapoor, one of Britain's leading sculptors and one of the world's top contemporary artists. Kapoor has captivated the world with his large-scale works, including a solo exhibition at the Palace of Versailles (2015) and the creation of a commemorative monument for the London Olympics (2012). More than 10 of his works, including new works, will be on display. This will be the largest exhibition ever held in Japan.

Previous work: "Leviathan" 2011 / PVC, 33.6 x 99.89 x 72.23 m / Monumenta 2011, Grand Palais, Paris
Photo: Dave Morgan / ©Anish Kapoor, 2018

Inside the park will be the "Sculptural Void Pavilion" (working title), which will exhibit world premieres of Kapoor's recent works that combine sculpture and architecture. Entering the approximately 12-meter-deep space, a dark wall appears in front of you, and as time passes, it creates a mysterious sensory experience.

One of his representative works, "Sky Mirror," will be installed outdoors. Its constant reflection of light and the sky creates the impression of a portal to another world that has suddenly appeared in this very spot.

"I looking in at me" 2016 / Silicone, fiberglass and gauze, 169 x 162 x 117 cm
©Anish Kapoor, 2018 / Courtesy of SCAI THE BATHHOUSE

In addition, a special gallery located between the two large-scale works will host the exhibition "Concept of Happiness." The exhibition will feature 10 drawings and sculptures (planned), each with a rough brushstroke that seems to depict the inside of the body. A BBC documentary on Kapoor will also be screened. Oita Prefecture will host the 33rd National Cultural Festival, Oita 2018, and the 18th National Arts and Culture Festival for Persons with Disabilities, Oita, from October 6th to November 25th, all across the prefecture, with the common theme of the "Oita Grand Tea Ceremony." "Anish Kapoor in BEPPU" will be one of the leading events. In addition to this exhibition, the "Oita Grand Tea Ceremony" will also feature leading events such as the "Kitsuki Grand Tea Ceremony" produced by the design team graf and "A Festival of Gods and Buddhas: Light and Art" by teamLab, as well as various other arts and cultural events that capitalize on the region's unique characteristics. A related event, a flood recovery support event by Rhizomatiks Architecture, will also be held.

In addition, we will develop a new style of tourism called "cultural tourism," which involves touring various parts of the prefecture while experiencing traditional performing arts, local festivals, and food along with the above-mentioned arts and culture events, and will also contribute to revitalizing the region.