Kojima, Kurashiki City, is an area with historic buildings, including Nozaki's Historical Residence, whose owners made their fortune in the salt-making industry from the Edo period, and the Shimotsui Shipping Agent Museum, a restored shipping agent's house from the Meiji period.
It is also famous as the home of jeans, attracting many tourists from across Japan.
However, local residents rarely have a chance to visit these places.
When I heard that works by artists with awards in contemporary art would be on display, I became curious about how they would blend with the historic architecture, so I decided to visit on opening day.
The information presented was current when this article was published in October 2022. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is the Kojima Blue Art Festival 2022?
The Kojima Blue Art Festival 2022 is an event planned by the Kojima Chamber of Commerce and Industry to showcase Kojima's appeal through art and promote it throughout Japan.
It is being held from Thursday, September 29, to Sunday, November 6, 2022.
Around 70 works by artists with awards in contemporary art are on display at six tourist facilities and other venues in Kojima, Kurashiki City.
- Kojima Civic Exchange Center / Lee Yun-kyung
- Kojima Sightseeing Port / Nakagiri Satomi
- Shimotsui Shipping Agent Museum / Kim Hyo-yeon
- Washuzan Visitor Center / Takamatsu Asuka
- Nozaki's Historical Residence / Kodama Tomoki, Lee Yun-kyung, and Kim Hyo-yeon
- Washuzan Rest House / Kodama Tomoki
Opening Ceremony
The opening day was sunny, with a pleasant autumn breeze making it a comfortable day.
The opening ceremony was held from 10 a.m. near the courtyard of the Kojima Civic Exchange Center. Speeches were given by a representative of the Kurashiki City mayor and other guests, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Each of the three artists also gave a short speech.
They seemed nervous, but explained the concepts behind their works in an easy-to-understand way.
After the ceremony, I was able to speak with all three artists, so I’ll introduce them along with their works.
Works by Lee Yun-kyung
Lee graduated from Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts. In 2018, she won the grand prize at the 11th Ishi Award.
Her works are on display at the Kojima Civic Exchange Center and Nozaki's Historical Residence.
Apparently, each work has a story behind it.
The boat in the pond displayed at the Kojima Civic Exchange Center is based on the concept of facing difficulties, growing, and setting off on a journey toward a new beginning.
Inside the same venue, a large-scale work inspired by the Seto-Ohashi Bridge, with images of waves and small boats, is displayed. Made using wire and plant-dyed materials, it makes for a spectacular sight.
Works by Kodama Tomoki
Kodama is an artist who received the 4th Ishi Award in 2010.
He lives in his hometown of Shimotsui and also works for a company.
He is also a father of three, and apparently sets aside time to work on his art every day from 9 p.m. to midnight.
This is his work “cosmos,” on display at Nozaki's Historical Residence.
It blends into its surroundings as if it had been there all along, creating an indescribable atmosphere.
Kodama says he explores and expresses the universe through familiar things.
Kodama's works are also on display at the Washuzan Visitor Center.
Works by Kim Hyo-yeon
Kim is currently a part-time lecturer at Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts.
In 2017, she received the Encouragement Award at the 10th Ishi Award.
Apparently, she also exhibited “Breath Clock” at Takamatsu Marugamemachi Shopping Street during the Setouchi Triennale, which took place around the same time as this event.
I thought I’d like to visit if I get the chance.
At the Kojima event, Kim's works are on display at Nozaki's Historical Residence and the Shimotsui Shipping Agent Museum.
I also visited the Shimotsui Shipping Agent Museum.
Kim's work draws light into the space, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
Apparently, the way it looks varies from person to person, but to me it looked like a rabbit in the moon.
It’s fun to let your imagination run wild.
From the Writer
I had visited Nozaki's Historical Residence and the Shimotsui Shipping Agent Museum a few years ago, but I didn’t remember much about them.
This time, the works by these up-and-coming artists gave me a reason to visit and explore places I wouldn’t normally visit all in one trip.
From the Washuzan Hill observation deck, you can take in the sea stretching out before you and the view of the Seto-Ohashi Bridge.
I felt as though I’d gained something extra, and it became a memorable day.
In the Kojima area, the event “Kojima Stroll: See, Eat, and Enjoy Kojima’s Fish,” which introduces restaurants serving fish dishes, is also being held.
Post on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag “Kojima Blue #Hashtag Campaign” for a chance to win Kojima specialties in a drawing.
Why not explore the artworks while enjoying delicious food in Kojima?
Kojima Blue Art Festival 2022 Information
| Name | Kojima Blue Art Festival 2022 |
|---|---|
| Dates | Thursday, September 29–Sunday, November 6, 2022 |
| Location | Kojima, Kurashiki City |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Kojima Blue Art Festival |
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