Starting March 30th, Mitsukoshi Isetan will be running a Setouchi-themed campaign called "JAPAN SENSES." To coincide with this, Fram Kitagawa, director of the Setouchi Triennale, will be directing 11 artists on the theme of "Sea Mandala," set in the show window of the Isetan Shinjuku store.
"Art brings out the best in history, tourism, and culture, and evokes memories that connect to the future in the people who live there and those who visit," says Kitagawa, who points out that there is a commonality between the taste and sensibility of the people who visit Isetan and those who attend the Setouchi Triennale. What lies beneath the currents of the times, deep within people's sensibilities?
■ Overwhelming nature, the moment when humans and the universe resonate
--You'll be directing 11 artists on the theme of "Sea Mandala." What is the concept behind this? Kukai, a monk of the Heian period, was born in Zentsuji, Sanuki Province, now Kagawa Prefecture, where the Setouchi Triennale is held. He struggled to travel to China and rose to the top of the Chinese sect before returning to Japan and becoming the founder of Shingon Buddhism. He began his training in the mountains at age 19, walking like an upasakusa (beggar monk) through Awa and Tosa. While training in a cave at Cape Muroto, a morning star flew into his mouth and he attained enlightenment. It is said that the "sky" and "sea" he witnessed at that moment inspired him to take the name "Kukai." The ever-changing nature. The sense of honing oneself through training. The moment when he encountered the universe was, for him, prayer and faith itself. The overwhelming power and colors of the natural world—the sum total of these things—resonated with humans for a moment. In an attempt to express this overall picture, Kukai created the mandala.
The artists participating in the Setouchi Triennale also experience the overwhelming power of the sea and the culture of the land before creating their works. The 11 artists who will gather for "Sea Mandala" were chosen to be as different as possible. It is the moment when the universe and humans are in tune with each other. We would like to call this totality the "Sea Mandala." We came up with this project with the hope of bringing this form of prayer to the city of Shinjuku, while at the same time connecting with the Seto Inland Sea.
Tajima Seizo "Sea Mandala from the Forest"
■ A unique "journey" experience to enjoy with all five senses
--What kind of place are the islands that will be the setting for the art festival?
The Seto Inland Sea was originally a sea blessed with abundant natural blessings, the netherlands of the Japanese archipelago, and Japan's largest route for transporting goods. People traveled freely across the sea, and the islands served as their perches, fostering unique cultures. However, in modern times, islands have become isolated and lost their vitality, and their original culture is gradually losing its contours. Hoping to invigorate the islanders, artists focus on the climate and history of the islands, rediscovering their charm and celebrating the time of those who have lived there. Creating and nurturing art connects many people. In this way, the Setouchi Triennale has helped restore island pride. I hear that 1.07 million people from around the world visited the last art festival. Why are people now leaving art museums and wanting to see art on the islands of the Setouchi Triennale? One of the reasons for the Setouchi Triennale's popularity is its diverse approach, stimulating a variety of senses and interests. First, the fascinating contemporary art. Then, the expansive sea and islands. Farmers and fishermen and the seasonal food they produce. Highly engaging festivals and performances that open up both mind and body. Perhaps it's because they've aimed to enrich the content, which is directly connected to human physiology and can be enjoyed with all five senses.
---It takes time to travel to the islands by boat and to see the artworks.
That's actually the reason for their popularity. True "journey" doesn't come from sightseeing trips that go back and forth between destinations or package tours with a pre-planned itinerary. To travel around the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, you have to think and plan your own way, otherwise you won't be able to board a boat or eat lunch. It takes effort. But that's what makes the "journey" even more real.
Shinji Ohmaki "Liminal Air - core -"
■Live your one and only life to the fullest
--What similarities do people who visit Isetan Mitsukoshi and visitors to the Setouchi Triennale have in common?
The fashionable atmosphere that envelops the entire venue. I believe this is the connection between the Setouchi Triennale and Isetan Mitsukoshi. It meticulously caters to the physiological needs of individuals, creating Isetan's image as being at the cutting edge of the times. Many of the visitors to the Setouchi Triennale are women in their 20s and 30s, and they're very fashionable. These people overlap with Isetan's customer demographic. Generally, they all like being stylish. They like traveling the Seto Inland Sea. They love supporting and helping out at the art festival. When I listened carefully, I found out that these were their true feelings, and it all made perfect sense.
--What motivates them?
To look stylish, people spend a lot of money on clothing. This is the kind of behavior that people who believe, "You only live once, but life is worth living" do. This philosophy of life, "You only live once, but let's at least enjoy this one life," drives people to be fashionable. They buy clothes at Isetan and go on art-seeking trips.
I think the times play a big role in this. Japan right now seems completely bleak. Only a select few skillful and intelligent people are trying to run this country together with the government. I feel no interest or sympathy for this. Such people are trying to establish their own lifestyles rather than trying to do something under the auspices of the state.
Today's talented people in their 40s are working as presidents of IT companies, for example, simply to survive in this era. These people are supporting the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, which is held in an area with heavy snowfall, depopulation and an aging population. They also find the Setouchi Triennale interesting. I think this is the sensibility of today's sensitive and talented people.
To be continued in the second part.
"Art brings out the best in history, tourism, and culture, and evokes memories that connect to the future in the people who live there and those who visit," says Kitagawa, who points out that there is a commonality between the taste and sensibility of the people who visit Isetan and those who attend the Setouchi Triennale. What lies beneath the currents of the times, deep within people's sensibilities?
■ Overwhelming nature, the moment when humans and the universe resonate
--You'll be directing 11 artists on the theme of "Sea Mandala." What is the concept behind this? Kukai, a monk of the Heian period, was born in Zentsuji, Sanuki Province, now Kagawa Prefecture, where the Setouchi Triennale is held. He struggled to travel to China and rose to the top of the Chinese sect before returning to Japan and becoming the founder of Shingon Buddhism. He began his training in the mountains at age 19, walking like an upasakusa (beggar monk) through Awa and Tosa. While training in a cave at Cape Muroto, a morning star flew into his mouth and he attained enlightenment. It is said that the "sky" and "sea" he witnessed at that moment inspired him to take the name "Kukai." The ever-changing nature. The sense of honing oneself through training. The moment when he encountered the universe was, for him, prayer and faith itself. The overwhelming power and colors of the natural world—the sum total of these things—resonated with humans for a moment. In an attempt to express this overall picture, Kukai created the mandala.
The artists participating in the Setouchi Triennale also experience the overwhelming power of the sea and the culture of the land before creating their works. The 11 artists who will gather for "Sea Mandala" were chosen to be as different as possible. It is the moment when the universe and humans are in tune with each other. We would like to call this totality the "Sea Mandala." We came up with this project with the hope of bringing this form of prayer to the city of Shinjuku, while at the same time connecting with the Seto Inland Sea.
Tajima Seizo "Sea Mandala from the Forest"
■ A unique "journey" experience to enjoy with all five senses
--What kind of place are the islands that will be the setting for the art festival?
The Seto Inland Sea was originally a sea blessed with abundant natural blessings, the netherlands of the Japanese archipelago, and Japan's largest route for transporting goods. People traveled freely across the sea, and the islands served as their perches, fostering unique cultures. However, in modern times, islands have become isolated and lost their vitality, and their original culture is gradually losing its contours. Hoping to invigorate the islanders, artists focus on the climate and history of the islands, rediscovering their charm and celebrating the time of those who have lived there. Creating and nurturing art connects many people. In this way, the Setouchi Triennale has helped restore island pride. I hear that 1.07 million people from around the world visited the last art festival. Why are people now leaving art museums and wanting to see art on the islands of the Setouchi Triennale? One of the reasons for the Setouchi Triennale's popularity is its diverse approach, stimulating a variety of senses and interests. First, the fascinating contemporary art. Then, the expansive sea and islands. Farmers and fishermen and the seasonal food they produce. Highly engaging festivals and performances that open up both mind and body. Perhaps it's because they've aimed to enrich the content, which is directly connected to human physiology and can be enjoyed with all five senses.
---It takes time to travel to the islands by boat and to see the artworks.
That's actually the reason for their popularity. True "journey" doesn't come from sightseeing trips that go back and forth between destinations or package tours with a pre-planned itinerary. To travel around the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, you have to think and plan your own way, otherwise you won't be able to board a boat or eat lunch. It takes effort. But that's what makes the "journey" even more real.
Shinji Ohmaki "Liminal Air - core -"
■Live your one and only life to the fullest
--What similarities do people who visit Isetan Mitsukoshi and visitors to the Setouchi Triennale have in common?
The fashionable atmosphere that envelops the entire venue. I believe this is the connection between the Setouchi Triennale and Isetan Mitsukoshi. It meticulously caters to the physiological needs of individuals, creating Isetan's image as being at the cutting edge of the times. Many of the visitors to the Setouchi Triennale are women in their 20s and 30s, and they're very fashionable. These people overlap with Isetan's customer demographic. Generally, they all like being stylish. They like traveling the Seto Inland Sea. They love supporting and helping out at the art festival. When I listened carefully, I found out that these were their true feelings, and it all made perfect sense.
--What motivates them?
To look stylish, people spend a lot of money on clothing. This is the kind of behavior that people who believe, "You only live once, but life is worth living" do. This philosophy of life, "You only live once, but let's at least enjoy this one life," drives people to be fashionable. They buy clothes at Isetan and go on art-seeking trips.
I think the times play a big role in this. Japan right now seems completely bleak. Only a select few skillful and intelligent people are trying to run this country together with the government. I feel no interest or sympathy for this. Such people are trying to establish their own lifestyles rather than trying to do something under the auspices of the state.
Today's talented people in their 40s are working as presidents of IT companies, for example, simply to survive in this era. These people are supporting the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, which is held in an area with heavy snowfall, depopulation and an aging population. They also find the Setouchi Triennale interesting. I think this is the sensibility of today's sensitive and talented people.
To be continued in the second part.
![Why People Embark on Art Journeys: Setouchi Triennale General Producer, Fram Kitagawa -- Part 1/2 [INTERVIEW]](https://wrqc9vvfhu8e.global.ssl.fastly.net/api/image/crop/200x200/images/migration/2016/03/c32fd4089803c339170ccadf22d670b2.jpg)
