Encounter Contemporary Art on the Streets of Okayama Whilst Enjoying the History and Culture of the City

09.12.2018

WordsPen Editorial

Peter Fischli and David Weiss. How to Work Better. 1991. Paint on wall. Collection of Ishikawa foundation. ©Okayama Art Summit 2016, Courtesy of the artists and Galerie Eva Presenhuber, Photo: Yasushi Ichikawa

Starting on Monday 3 November 2018, a contemporary art project known as A&C (short for ‘Art & City’) is being held for a one-year period in Okayama City. The aim is to display contemporary works of art to the public, for free, over long stretches of time in such public spaces within the city as film theatres, art museums and Shinto shrines.
There are six featured artworks displayed in the project, all by leading artists from around the world, including four newly-commissioned works and two existing works. Viewers have the chance to see legacy pieces of art from the previous OKAYAMA ART SUMMIT held in 2016, as well as get a head start in experiencing part of the new vision for the upcoming SUMMIT, scheduled to be held next year.
Okayama is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, with streetcars joining various sections of the community. All of the artworks featured in the A&C project can be reached on foot, lying as they are within fifteen minutes from each other, affording viewers the opportunity to appreciate them as they take a stroll. Not only can you experience the history and culture of the city better that way, but you will get the added joy of encountering contemporary artworks that will inspire your intellectual curiosity. That kind of experience is only possible in a compact city such as Okayama, so make sure not to miss this opportunity!

Dan Graham. Wood Grid Crossing Two-way Mirror. 2010. Stainless steel, wood, two-way mirror glass. Collection of Ishikawa foundation. ©Dan Graham, Courtesy of Taka Ishii Gallery, Photo: Kei Okano

Danh Vo. We The People (detail). 2011. Copper. Collection of Ishikawa foundation. ©Dahn Vo, Courtesy of Galerie Chantal Crousel, Photo: Nils Klinger

Ryan Gander. Two hundred and sixty-one degrees below every kind of zero. 2016. Fiberglass. Collection of Ishikawa foundation. ©︎Ryan Gander, Courtesy of TARO NASU, Photo: Nobutada Omote

Lawrence Weiner. BLOCKS OF COMPRESSED GRAPHITE / SET IN SUCH A MANNER / AS TO INTERFERE / WITH THE FLOW OF NEUTRONS / FROM PLACE TO PLACE. 2017. Language + The materials referred to. Collection of Ishikawa foundation. ©Lawrence Weiner, Courtesy of TARO NASU, Photo: Kei Okano

Liam Gillick. Faceted Development. 2016. Paint. Supported by Ishikawa foundation. ©Okayama Art Summit 2016, Courtesy of the artist and TARO NASU, Photo: Yasushi Ichikawa