#Japan #Hachioji #Local Artists #Hachioji Arts Festival #Kukan-do Atelier

The Creative Voyage at Kukan-do Shared Atelier

Situated in Hachioji, the Kukan-do Shared Atelier has transformed from a once-thriving silk weaving company into a vibrant space where artists gather to create. This iteration of the space serves not only as a studio but as a metaphorical "boat," reflecting the journey of artistic exploration shared by five unique creators.

These artists—Lee Helim, Onozaka Yoko, Kawasaki Hinako, Tsurumi Tomoyo, and Matsuda Koji—utilize the rich history and nature surrounding the atelier to respond and create compelling pieces that echo the age-old act of creation. Their works encourage the audience to reflect on the relationships between creators, their materials, and the space in which they work.

Artists and Their Inspirations

• - Lee Helim, originally from South Korea, now residing in Japan, focuses on concepts of time, memory, and the feelings of forgetfulness embedded in daily life. By utilizing handmade paper, she embodies the abstract idea of "time" into tangible forms, layering her creations to reflect fleeting moments of emotion in repetitive rituals of everyday existence.

• - Onozaka Yoko delves into the intricacies of the traditional technique of kasuri weaving. Through the careful arrangement of pre-dyed threads, she explores the constraints of this method, bringing forth vibrant patterns that beautifully embody the relationship between color, shape, and sight.

• - Kawasaki Hinako, an accomplished textile artist, investigates the nuanced relationship between human hands and fibrous materials, particularly through shared spaces like the Kukan-do atelier. Currently based in Kyoto, her work is a reflection of traditional culture deeply rooted in the land.

• - Tsurumi Tomoyo examines the interplay of materials and structures to explore the relationships between people, materials, and spaces. Understanding fiber as a language, she seeks to visualize dialogues that transcend mere sight, crafting poetic worlds from the interplay of subtleties.

• - Matsuda Koji reflects on his surroundings, drawing inspiration from tools, natural elements like stones, and forgotten craftsmanship. His work emphasizes the potential for new relationships between humans and their environments, utilizing traditional techniques to this end.

About the Hachioji Arts Festival

The Kukan-do atelier is part of the annual Hachioji Arts Festival, which celebrates the local culture and natural beauty through diverse artistic expressions. This year, the festival features art displays in historic sites, old factories, and parks, offering visitors a chance to experience the layered narratives of this region as they engage with music, theater, and hands-on workshops. The festival aims to enthrall participants by immersing them in unique landscapes and shared stories.

Event Details

The exhibition takes place during the festival's running period on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Kukan-do Shared Atelier located at 1-26-3 Nakano Kamimachi, Hachioji, Tokyo.

For inquiries, please reach out to the Hachioji Cultural Foundation at 042-621-3005 (9 AM to 5 PM).

Future Prospects

Looking to the horizon, the 2025 Hachioji Arts Festival promises an even richer interplay of traditional craftsmanship and modern artistic interpretation. As artists continue to weave together the memories of the past with visions of the future, the narrative of Hachioji remains vibrant and continuously evolving. Mark your calendars for this artistic journey, set to begin on November 8, 2025, and continue until December 7, 2025, across multiple venues in the region.