As you walk through the Bikan Historical Area, you will come across maps depicted from a bird's-eye view that provide an overview of the town.
This is called a chokan-ezu (鳥瞰絵図), created by bird's-eye view artist Okamoto Naoki.
In addition to his own creations, Okamoto also runs a painting class called "Naoki-kai," which has nearly 40 members.
In the fall of 2024, a group exhibition titled "Kira Kira ★ Biennale" organized by Naoki-kai will be held at the Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan in the Bikan Historical Area.
About Okamoto Naoki
Okamoto Naoki is a painter and illustrator from Kurashiki City.
He spent his childhood in Kurashiki until graduating from high school, and then studied oil painting in the United States and France before working in Yokohama. He returned to Kurashiki in 2002.
In Kurashiki, he created the "2005 Edition" of the bird's-eye view map, which took four and a half years to depict the central urban area, with the aim of preserving the townscape of his hometown. He then spent another four years creating the "1963 Edition" of the same area.
Currently, he is working on the "2025 Edition" of the bird's-eye view map while also teaching at the painting class "Naoki-kai."
What is Kira Kira ★ Biennale?
Kira Kira ★ Biennale is a painting exhibition organized by Naoki-kai.
"Biennale" refers to an art exhibition held every two years, and it is a festival of art exhibitions held on a city scale in places like Tokyo, Yokohama, and Venice.
This "Kira Kira ★ Biennale" is the 7th edition, marking the 14th year. Since there are participants ranging from those who have just started painting a few months ago to veterans with over 14 years of experience, the number of works exhibited has also increased.
In 2024, it will be held from November 5 (Tuesday) to November 10 (Sunday) at the multipurpose hall of Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan, from 10 AM to 5 PM (until 3 PM on the last day).
For more details, please check the image below.
Venue Overview
I visited the venue on the opening day and again on the afternoon of the 6th, so I would like to introduce the atmosphere of the venue.
Various Themes from 35 Works: What They Want to Draw, Themes from the Painting Class
I had a strong image of "Okamoto-san being associated with bird's-eye view maps," so I thought there would be many bird's-eye view works from Naoki-kai, but upon entering the venue, I found no paintings viewed from above.
Instead, there are works arranged in compositions viewed from the front or looking up from below.
The themes vary, with some depicting animals and flowers, while others portray people.
For the works exhibited in this Kira Kira ★ Biennale, some participants submitted what they wanted to draw, while others created works based on themes assigned in the painting class. During the opening party held on the first day, each artist stood next to their work to introduce themselves and share the inspiration behind their pieces.
An Exhibition Where Members of "Naoki-kai" Gather
The painting class Naoki-kai is held at multiple venues, usually with small groups at each location. Therefore, the "Kira Kira ★ Biennale," held every two years, is a rare opportunity for members of Naoki-kai to gather.
At the opening party held on the first day, the atmosphere in the Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan was warm and lively, filled with the excitement of Naoki-kai members who were happy to reunite and appreciate each other's works.
From November 6 onwards, members of Naoki-kai, including Okamoto, will be present at the venue, so if the timing is right, you may enjoy interacting with the artists.
A Venue with Works from a Wide Age Range, from Middle School Students to Veterans with Over 14 Years of Experience
The exhibitors at this Kira Kira ★ Biennale range from beginners who have just started painting a few months ago to veterans who have been painting for over 14 years. Among the works, there were pieces created by middle school students.
All the works were so wonderful that it was hard to imagine the years of experience behind them at first glance.
Conclusion
At the opening party held on the first day, members of Naoki-kai, who admire Okamoto, were seen enjoying each other's works and chatting happily, indicating their anticipation for this "biennial" festival.
Not only the works but also the titles given to them were decided after multiple discussions between the exhibitors and Okamoto. It would be great to compare the works with their titles while appreciating them.
Articles about Okamoto Naoki
Kirakira★Biennale Data
| Name | Kirakira★Biennale |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 5 (Tue) to 10 (Sun), 2024 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (until 3:00 PM on the last day) |
| Location | 2-23-18 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (tax included) | Free admission |
