Interview with Asou Tomoko and Takeuchi Akiko
We spoke with Asou Tomoko and Takeuchi Akiko.
Why did you decide to travel all over Japan?
Asou
Until I was a student, the Kanto area was my world.
When I visited Takeuchi's hometown of Kumamoto, the scenery was completely different. The things sold in supermarkets and the trains were all different! I was surprised by that.
I thought I wanted to see places outside of where I live.
Why do you travel, Takeuchi?
Takeuchi
Asou said, "Let's travel," so I said, "Sure" (laughs).
At first, it was planned for about a year. The Wataridori Project did not start as a planned project from the beginning.
Asou
I wanted to travel, and if possible, I wanted to paint while traveling and hold exhibitions in those places.
What kind of exhibitions have you held so far?
Asou
I have held "exhibitions that can only be done in that place."
For example, in a tatami-floored museum, I created a game using cushions dyed with wax.
Takeuchi
There was also a time when we made a karuta (Japanese card game) of the local area.
Why did the exhibition at Ohara Museum of Art lead to deciding on travel destinations based on the paintings?
Takeuchi
Because Ohara Museum of Art has wonderful collections.
I thought about what we could do with this painting and decided to let the people of Okayama choose the travel destinations.
Asou
Because the works at Ohara Museum of Art are prestigious, you might think they are distant.
By associating them with places in Okayama, I thought it might make the paintings more familiar and allow for a different way of experiencing them.
Regarding the places, for example, if the usual scenery is said to be in southern France, I hope it can create a new perspective.
Do you have any places that hold special meaning for you?
Asou
I have been taken care of by the art space Yubi Kobo in Tamashima, Kurashiki City, and I love Tamashima like a second hometown.
Seeing familiar Tamashima as southern France or Yasui Sotaro was refreshing and enjoyable.
Is there anything unique about this production?
Takeuchi
Usually, we go to travel destinations decided by the two of us, but this time it was interesting to have a vague destination filtered through the person who told us.
It felt like that person was traveling with us.
Asou
While feeling that person's thoughts.
Takeuchi
Also, it was fun to be taken to places we wouldn't normally go.
We ate various things, like Chiyagyu Beef and somen noodles, and went strawberry picking.
Asou
I usually don't go to places that require reservations, but we had dinner at a lovely candle restaurant.
Thanks to what we were told, the trip became richer.
Takeuchi
I also searched for scenery with the feelings of a painter, which made me feel closer to the famous paintings.
What has been the reaction of those who saw the exhibition?
Asou
I thought it might be difficult to understand, but surprisingly, many people read the text and understood it, which surprised me.
Takeuchi
Some people said, "I thought I could look freely."
It's okay to feel anything because it's free.
Asou
It's fine to think of somen noodles when looking at Lee Ufan's work.
How do you feel since the exhibition started?
Takeuchi
I am happy and moved.
Asou
I am glad to be able to hold an exhibition with 13 painters.
Takeuchi
Such opportunities are rare.
Let's Compare Famous Paintings and Okayama
I enjoyed viewing the exhibition with the excitement of wondering, "Where will we go next?"
28 places in Okayama traveled from 13 famous paintings.
For those who know Okayama well, familiar scenery may look fresh, and for those who don't know Okayama much, it may increase the places they want to visit.
Please freely compare the famous paintings and Okayama.
Articles about Ohara Museum of Art
Ohara Museum of Art AM Kurashiki vol.16 Wataridori Project -Traveling from Paintings Ohara⇔Okayama- Data
| Name | Ohara Museum of Art AM Kurashiki vol.16 Wataridori Project -Traveling from Paintings Ohara⇔Okayama- |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-1-15 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-0005 |
| Parking | None |
| Opening Hours | From January 1, 2020 (Wed) to March 15, 2020 (Sun) 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Admission until 4:30 PM) |
| Closed Days | Closed days during the exhibition period (all Mondays) January 6, 20, 27; February 3, 17; March 2, 9 |
| Admission Fee (tax included) | Adults: 1,300 yen University students: 800 yen High school, junior high, and elementary school students: 500 yen *Group rates available for 20 or more people |
| Payment Methods |
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| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking allowed only in designated areas) |
| Restrooms | Western-style toilets, Japanese-style toilets, barrier-free toilets |
| Childcare | Nursing room, diaper changing station, stroller rental Nursing room is located in the Craft Museum Diaper changing stations are available on the 2nd floor of the main building and in the Craft Museum |
| Barrier-free | Ramps, barrier-free toilets, elevators, wheelchair rental |
| Website | AM Kurashiki Vol.16 Wataridori Project -Traveling from Paintings Ohara⇔Okayama- | Ohara Museum of Art |
