Weaving Together Art, Community, and Tradition at Hachioji Art Festival

Hachioji Art Festival 2023: Weft Roading

The interplay of wind, light, and our existence can make us seem like delicate threads within a larger tapestry. During the pre-war era in Hachioji, locals cultivated silkworms, spun threads, and wove fabric. This labor of love not only shaped the essence of the town but also crafted a tangible connection among its people. The artwork on display at this festival captures the essence of this community spirit by illustrating how various threads, like people, intertwine and create new forms through their unique interactions.

Event Details

- Dates: November 8 – December 7 (Closed on Wednesdays)
- Time: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Venue: In front of the Ninth Elementary School, 2-16-6 Nakano Kamimachi, Hachioji, Tokyo

Featured Artist: Aiku Kuritaki

Born in 2000, Aiku Kuritaki is based in Kanagawa and Tokyo. He graduated from the Textile Design program at Tokyo Zokei University. In April 2024, he will have his first solo exhibition at SOM GALLERY. Aiku draws inspiration from the dimensional structures created through the intersections of fibers, producing sculptures that blend vertical and horizontal threads through meticulous handwork. His iconic 'Human' series illustrates modern society’s patterned dynamics by enclosing human figures within frames formed by orderly thread arrangements, thus highlighting standardized thought processes.

Through his art, Aiku aims to reveal the emptiness often felt within contemporary society, presenting a human perspective that seeks to liberate individuals from algorithmic routines.

Overview of Hachioji Art Festival

Launched in 2023, the Hachioji Art Festival is a vibrant celebration of the region’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. It features art installations permeating the landscape, showcasing works at historical factory sites, old family homes, parks, and various outdoor spaces. The festival includes a wide range of programs encompassing visual art, music, theater, workshops, discussions, performances, and community events under the ‘Machi Iro Project.’ Visitors can engage with the environment as travelers, immersed in the unique rhythms and scenes of Hachioji.

Future Directions: Hachioji Art Festival 2025

The festival’s 2025 edition is scheduled from November 8 to December 7, celebrating the blending of traditional crafts and contemporary art. As the sounds of machinery and the rhythm of artisanship intertwine with artistic expressions, a narrative unfolds. What stories will emerge as time converges through different eras and traditions make way for the future? Your thoughts will become threads of this story—infusing memories of the past with fresh perspectives.

Entrance: Free (Some programs may charge a fee)
Organizers: Hachioji City, Hachioji City Academy Cultural Foundation