Are photo exhibitions something special that only photography enthusiasts visit?
Not at all!
In Kurashiki’s shopping arcades, an exhibition is held every autumn, displaying photographs printed on large fabric panels for passersby to enjoy.
It’s called “Kurashiki Photomural.”
In 2019, the shopping arcade exhibition runs from Friday, October 25 to Wednesday, November 13.
During the exhibition, you’ll often see tourists and locals enjoying the photographs together, saying things like, “Beautiful!” and “That’s kind of interesting!”
Here’s an introduction to Kurashiki Photomural, which brightens up the shopping arcade.
The information provided was current when this article was published in November 2019. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Kurashiki Photomural: An Exhibition That Brings Photography Closer
What Is Kurashiki Photomural?
“Kurashiki Photomural” is an open-call photography exhibition in which photographs printed on large fabric panels are displayed in the arcades of Kurashiki’s shopping streets.
Works selected by the director from submissions received from across Japan are displayed.
It began in 2004, and 2019 marked its 16th edition.
The director is Kotaro Iizawa, a photography critic.
One of Japan’s leading photography critics, he has served as a judge for many open-call photography exhibitions, including “New Cosmos of Photography” and “Photo 1_WALL,” which are considered stepping stones for photographers.
The organizers are the Kurashiki Photomural Executive Committee, Kurashiki City, Kurashiki Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Kurashiki TMO, Okayama Prefectural University, and the Kurashiki Cultural Promotion Foundation.
The volunteer group “SAKURA Project” from the Faculty of Design at Okayama Prefectural University handles planning and operations.
Kurashiki Photomural in 2019
The following exhibitions will be held in 2019.
Admission is free to all.
| Event | Date and time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Shopping arcade exhibition | Friday, October 25–Wednesday, November 13 | JR Kurashiki Station-front arcade |
| Shopping arcade event: “Our ‘Mongae!’ Things” | Friday, October 25–Wednesday, November 13 | Shops in the JR Kurashiki Station-front shopping arcade |
| PHOTO STADIUM Grand Prix Works Exhibition | Saturday, November 2–Monday, November 11 | Tenmaya Kurashiki, 2nd floor |
| Critique Session and Reception | Sunday, November 3 | Geibunkan Hall, Meeting Rooms 202 and 203 |
The following workshops were also held ahead of the exhibition.
- PHOTO STADIUM
- Parent-child workshop
A theme is chosen for the shopping arcade exhibition each year.
The 2019 theme was “Luster.”
Past themes have included “Splendor,” “Radiance,” “Wind,” “Color,” and “New.”
Works are submitted in line with the theme, and one director selects the pieces.
So, although the exhibition brings together works by multiple people, it has a cohesive feel.
In 2019, 57 works were selected from 973 submissions by 254 applicants.
Applicants ranged widely in age: the youngest was five and the oldest was 86.
What Makes Kurashiki Photomural Special
An Open Exhibition in the Shopping Arcade
One of the best things about Kurashiki Photomural is, without a doubt, that it is displayed in the shopping arcade, making it easy for lots of people to enjoy.
Many art exhibitions, including photography exhibitions, are held indoors to protect the works and for other reasons.
However, exhibitions in enclosed spaces inevitably make it harder for people other than those who came specifically to see the art to view it.
Kurashiki Photomural is displayed in the shopping arcade.
Of course, people who came to see the photographs view the works, but so do shoppers, tourists heading to the Bikan Historical Area, people just passing by, and many others.
It’s not in a formal setting, so it feels very accessible.
The exhibition was planned with the aim of “helping more people feel closer to the appeal of photography.”
I even saw a child looking at a humorous photograph and saying, “Mom, look! That’s weird!”
The Impact of Large Fabric Prints
How big are the photographs you usually see?
Kurashiki Photomural works come in two sizes: large (2.9 meters by 3.7 meters) and small (1.9 meters by 2.0 meters).
We often see photographs on social media and websites, but how often do we get to see ones this large?
Seeing the large fabric prints in person is quite impressive.
Bringing Out the Charm of the Shopping Arcade
The shopping arcade runs from JR Kurashiki Station to the Bikan Historical Area.
When I first saw Kurashiki Photomural, the photographs appearing one after another seemed to be saying “Welcome,” and I was struck by how enjoyable it was to walk through the shopping arcade.
The related events introduced below are also designed to make the shopping arcade more enjoyable.
Take a Walk Through the Shopping Arcade
Here are some of the works displayed in the shopping arcade.
The first work you encounter after entering from the Center Street entrance near Chugoku Bank shows a lemon being tossed into a blue sky.
It’s so refreshing.
Apparently, the photographer tried again and again to get the shot just right.
A photograph of a cat taken from directly above.
Mr. Iizawa praised it highly, calling it “the best angle, the best shot.”
A work by an alumna of “SAKURA Project,” which plans and operates Kurashiki Photomural.
The distinctive cuteness of a newborn is irresistible.
The baby model was also at the reception venue.
This work, featuring beautiful clouds, was created by the youngest selected artist, an 11-year-old.
The author's photo was also selected.
Rabbit bottoms are so cute, aren't they?
A work by Watanabe, who spoke with us in an interview.
The striking shadows and color balance look great.
PHOTO STADIUM Grand Prix Exhibition
“PHOTO STADIUM” is a workshop for high school students.
Over two days, participants created photo series and single-photo works to submit to the shopping arcade exhibition section of “Kurashiki Photomural,” under the guidance of professionals.
The Grand Prix and honorable mentions are selected from among the works created, and the Grand Prix-winning work is exhibited on the second floor of Tenmaya Kurashiki Store.
This year's Grand Prix winner is Anju Yunomae, a first-year student at Sakaide Commercial High School.
This work tells a story of grasping hope amid uncertainty and anxiety.
Our “Mongae!” Treasures
This project introduces the “mongae” (Kurashiki dialect for “amazing things”) found at shops in the shopping arcade.
It showcases each shopkeeper's top recommendation for their store.
You may discover the appeal of a new shop and find yourself chatting with the staff.
Critique Session and Social Gathering
On November 3, director Kotaro Iizawa commented on the selected works at a critique session, followed by a casual social gathering where people could chat freely.
Anyone can attend for free, whether or not they submitted a work or were selected.
It's a chance to have Professor Iizawa look at your work and give you feedback.
Here are some examples of comments he has given:
- You should take more snapshots.
- Your photos are good, but the way you've put them together looks a bit disjointed. It would be good to create a central flow and then build it out with details.
- It's really good, so show it to more people.
We spoke with Chizuru Watanabe of the SAKURA Project.
What did you have in mind as you prepared for Kurashiki Photomural?
Watanabe
We often talked with the other members about how we could get more people to know about it and who we should be reaching out to.
There are open-call exhibitions that serve as a gateway for photographers, such as “New Cosmos of Photography,” but we want Kurashiki Photomural to be more accessible.
We want everyone to submit, so rather than making it feel formal, we hope to offer a simple suggestion: “Why not turn your photos into large fabric prints?”
What makes the “PHOTO STADIUM” workshop for high school students special?
Watanabe
It's a valuable opportunity to get close guidance and feedback from professionals over two days, from taking photos to putting together a photo series.
It's also a great opportunity for high school students who love photography to get together.
Submissions have increased year by year.
What kind of event is the parent-child workshop?
Watanabe
Parents and children split into teams and walk around taking photos.
Participants can borrow and use a camera for the day, so it may also be a good opportunity for people who have never handled a camera to try one.
It's lovely to see parents and children connecting through photography, saying, “Look what I took!”
Did you discover anything through “Our ‘Mongae!’ Treasures”?
Watanabe
There were shops I hadn't known about. For example, one looked like an American goods store at first glance, but its top recommendation was delicious cake.
In 2019, we included handwritten messages from the shopkeepers, so the atmosphere should come across even better.
I hope it helps promote the shops.
How would you like people to experience Kurashiki Photomural?
Watanabe
You can look at the works while thinking about the theme, or without thinking about anything at all.
You might find things in common or discover a favorite.
Along with the related events, I hope people will enjoy the photos and explore the shopping arcade, too.
I hope people will enjoy the photos from all kinds of perspectives.
Feel free to look around while chatting!
We also spoke with an alumna of the SAKURA Project.
Looking back, what did you think of Kurashiki Photomural?
Hiramatsu
I was happy to see passersby smile and enjoy looking at the works.
The SAKURA activities were challenging, but I gained so much from them.
I'm glad I took part.
At the critique session, producer Professor Kitayama said the following:
Kitayama
Culture is something that takes root over time.
Kurashiki Photomural is now in its 16th year.
All the “PHOTO STADIUM” award winners were first-year students, so it's deeply moving to think that the event began the year they were born.
At Kurashiki Photomural, we want to enjoy photography together with everyone.
There was severe damage from flooding last year and this year.
But precisely because these are difficult times, we hope to bring brightness to people's hearts through the power of photography as a cultural force.
We hope you'll submit fun, uplifting photos again next year.
Find Your Favorite Work
Kurashiki Photomural is an event where everyone, whether they love photography or are simply interested, can casually enjoy looking at photographs.
Take a walk through the shopping arcade, look up at the photographs, and find your favorite.
The 2020 theme was “Dance.”
Entries are usually invited around August each year, so why not submit your work?
In 2020, your photograph might become a large fabric banner and brighten Kurashiki’s shopping arcade!
Kurashiki Photomural Information
| Name | Kurashiki Photomural |
|---|---|
| Dates | Shopping Street Exhibition & “Our ‘Mongē’ Things”: October 25 (Fri)–November 13 (Wed) PHOTO STADIUM Grand Prix Works Exhibition: November 2 (Sat)–November 11 (Mon), 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. |
| Location | JR Kurashiki Station-front arcade |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | Kurashiki Photomural |
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