Case 1 Artist talk with Endo Ichiro

Art Action is invited to take part in the Event below
at The Japan Foundation London
Please book your place to avoid disappointment.
 
25th September, Tuesday, 2012 from 6:30pm
at
Japan Foundation
10-12 Russell Sq. London
WC1B 5EH
Post 3.11 is a series of talks with individuals who through art have in various ways been involved in supporting the victims of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in the Tohoku region of Japan. Showcasing their activities, this talk series aims to examine how the role of the artist and art activities can be vital in such unprecedented situations, in spreading awareness and helping restore confidence among those affected, fundamentally questioning whether art has to have a practical social function.

For the first session, The Japan Foundation has invited Ichiro Endo, a painter, performer and self-proclaimed ‘future artist’ famous for his artworks and activities, conveying a strong sense ‘future’ through his eccentric artworks and activities which have been exhibited at venues including Art Tower Mito, BACC Bangkok and the Beppu Contemporary Art Festival. Turning his attention to organising projects in the disaster-stricken Tohoku region, Endo’s activities include travelling around in his graffiti covered bus called Mirai-e-go! (“Go for future”) as a means of spreading Endo’s characteristic message to people.
Through Endo’s presentation, he will briefly introduce his work and activities before and after the incident in Tohoku, demonstrating how he was prompted to act in such a way in response to the disaster. Evaluating his involvement in Tohoku, Endo will be joined for a further discussion by Kaori Homma, UK based Japanese artist and Keith Whittle, curator and Japan Foundation Fellow, to explore the artist’s role including whether these activities have helped build new relationships between the artist and society. Kaori Homma, through her Art Action programme, commissioned a residency in the UK for an artist from Tohoku. Keith Whittle is undertaking research into projects working with individuals and communities in Japan, many of which are working with devastated areas and beyond, organising art events directly with, or for those affected.

This event is free to attend but booking is essential. To reserve a place, please email your name and the title of the event you would like to attend to event@jpf.org.uk
Ichiro Endo is supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture, Tokyo Wonder Site


The Japan Foundation, London – 10-12 Russell Square, London, WC1B 5EH
www.jpf.org.uk


Art Action UK Residency Success!

Thank you for your support!
 
 
Art Action's UK Respite Residency Project 2012 has been completed with amazing results.
Artist Kaya Hanasaki's stay in UK culminated in
Performance Events at Deptford X and Greenbelt Festival which are also linked to Project Fukushima! also featured Misaoredwolf, main spokes person for Japan's Anti Nuclear Movement.
 


Emotionally charged Hanasaki's performance

Thunderstorm and Powercut did not affect Hanasaki's delivery


 
One of the most touching moment was when an audience asked
"what we might be able to do for people in Fukushima?"
The answer from a Fukushima local artist
and organiser of Project Fukushima! Mr. Otomo was

"Just be a friend, and please don't forget us."

 
Responding to the above request and recognising the current context of Fukushima where residents feel isolated, and forgotten,
Hanasaki has collected more than 120 signitures and words of encouragement on a Banner which is going back to Fukushima.

 
 
 
She also collected over 100 portraits of people wearing protective masks which will be made into an installation art in Japan on her return.
 
 
We will be continuing our effort to bring more artists from affected areas.
So, if you would like to take part in direct action to rbing about a change, you can contribute online at;