As you walk through the Bikan Historical Area, you may come across maps drawn from a bird’s-eye perspective, looking down over the town.
These are called bird’s-eye-view illustrated maps, and they are created by bird’s-eye-view map artist Okamoto Naoki.
Alongside his own work, Okamoto runs the painting class “Naoki-kai,” which has nearly 40 members.
In autumn 2024, an exhibition of works organized by Naoki-kai, “Kirakira★Biennale,” is being held at Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan in the Bikan Historical Area.
The information presented was current when this article was published in November 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About Okamoto Naoki
Okamoto Naoki is a painter and illustrator from Kurashiki City.
He grew up in Kurashiki and lived there until graduating from high school. He then studied oil painting and other forms of art in the United States and France before working in Yokohama. He returned to Kurashiki in 2002.
In Kurashiki, hoping to preserve the streetscape of his hometown, he spent four and a half years creating a bird’s-eye-view illustrated map of the central urban area, the “2005 edition.” He then spent another four years creating a “1963 edition” map of the same area.
He is currently working on the “2025 edition” bird’s-eye-view illustrated map while also teaching at the painting class Naoki-kai.
What is Kirakira★Biennale?
Kirakira★Biennale is an exhibition of paintings organized by Naoki-kai.
A “biennale” is an art exhibition held once every two years. In cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, and Venice, biennales are major citywide art festivals.
The “Kirakira★Biennale” is now in its seventh edition, making this its 14th year. Participants range from people who have been painting for just a few months to veterans with over 14 years of experience, and the number of works on display has reportedly grown.
In 2024, the exhibition is being held at Kurashiki Monogatari-kan’s multipurpose hall from November 5 (Tuesday) to November 10 (Sunday), from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (until 3 p.m. on the final day).
For details, please see the image below.
The venue
I visited the venue during the opening party held on the first day of the exhibition and shortly after noon on the 6th, and would like to share what it was like.
What they wanted to paint, painting-class assignments… works by 35 artists on a variety of themes
I had the strong impression that “Okamoto means bird’s-eye views,” so I expected many of Naoki-kai’s works to be bird’s-eye views too. But when I entered the venue, I couldn’t find any paintings viewed from above.
Instead, the works included scenes viewed from the front and compositions looking up from below.
The themes vary, too: some works depict animals or flowers, while others portray people.
Some artists exhibiting at this Kirakira★Biennale submitted subjects they wanted to paint, while others created works based on themes assigned in their painting class. At the opening party held on the first day, each artist stood beside their work to introduce themselves and explain what inspired them to paint it.
An exhibition bringing Naoki-kai members together
Naoki-kai’s painting classes are held at several venues, where members usually work in small groups. As a result, the “Kirakira★Biennale,” held once every two years, is apparently a rare opportunity for Naoki-kai members to come together.
At the opening party on the first day, Kurashiki Monogatari-kan was filled with warmth and excitement as Naoki-kai members, delighted to see one another again after a long time, admired each other’s work.
Naoki-kai members, including Okamoto, will be at the venue after November 6, so if your timing works out, you may have a chance to meet and chat with the artists.
A venue showcasing works by a wide range of ages, from junior high school students to veterans with over 14 years’ experience
The exhibitors at this Kirakira★Biennale ranged from beginners who had started painting just a few months ago to veterans who had been painting for over 14 years. Some of the works were even painted by junior high school students.
Every work was wonderful, and you would never guess how many years of experience went into it just by looking at it.
From the Writer
At the opening party held on the first day, Naoki-kai members who admire Okamoto chatted happily as they admired one another’s work, making it clear how eagerly they had been looking forward to this “once-every-two-years” festival.
Not only the works themselves, but also their titles were decided after the exhibitors and Okamoto discussed them many times. Why not enjoy the works while comparing them with their titles?
Articles about Okamoto Naoki
Sparkling★Biennale Information
| Name | Sparkling★Biennale |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 5 (Tuesday)–10 (Sunday), 2024 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (until 3:00 p.m. on the final day only) |
| Location | 23-18 Achi 2-chome, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Free admission |
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