Yoshitaka Nanjo on Shamijima

Good morning everyone, I hope this message finds you well. Today I'd like to tell you about a very unique artwork (well, aren't they all?) that you should not miss if you come to the Setouchi Triennale this spring. And after that, I have some links and news for you, so be sure to read to the end.

One of the things I really like about much of the art on the Setouchi Islands (and location-specific art in general) is how art is often used to make real and tangible a new reality that usually only exists in people's imaginations. I think it's even more important to physically create this alternate reality in an age where so many things have become digital and virtual (I wish I could send you this newsletter in paper form, but digital has its advantages, doesn't it?).

This is what Yoshitaka Nanjo did in this abandoned house on the coast of Shamijima for his artwork called Peering into the Seabed. The installation was first shown at the Setouchi Triennale 2022, but it is back this year. Since it's on Shamijima, I think it's a shame that it's only available in the spring (and only for a few days a year when the Triennale isn't on).

I could explain the artist's intention for this piece (it's on the Triennale's official website), but I think it's better to discover it for yourself, interpreting it as you see fit or not at all.

And before we enter the place, a quick note to mention that although Yoshitaka Nanjo now lives in Tokyo (I think), he was born in Kagawa. In fact, I think he's from Sakaide (the municipality to which Shamijima belongs.) In other words, while some artists sometimes have a limited understanding and knowledge of the place where their art is exhibited, this is not his case.