Report: Open Studio by Overseas Artists
From July 10th to 12th, two artists invited through the JENESYS Programme, Janet Lilo and Sharon Chin, displayed work they created while staying in Sapporo in a show called Open Studio. Held in ICC, 118 people attended.
Malaysian modern artist Sharon Chin produced what she called the “Horohirobashi Project”
Her idea came from the repetition of crossing the same Horohirobashi Bridge every morning to go to work. The piece incorporates audience participation in a very unique way.
Sharon displayed photos of Horohirabashi on the walls of the studio. The audience was to choose a photo they like to write their own message on. The interesting part of the process is that the audience actually writes their message with their finger on Sharon’s back. She then, in turn, writes the same message on the photo herself.
Each audience member write their thoughts on Sharon’s back.
Sharon’s art project.
"When two people meet, a bridge forms between them. I imagined I was the bridge, helping to connect art with the audience's messages through their writing on my back," says Sharon
On the other hand, visual artist Janet Lilo from New Zealand produced a video installation piece called "Man in the Mirror".
Janet introduces her documentary project shot in Tanuki Koji.
With the theme of pop culture, Janet captured images of city youth practicing hip hop dancing and added videos of ordinary people singing popular songs on YouTube to create her own unique edit. Four total videos were presented that opening night, with Sharon and Janet attending the event wearing beautiful Yukata.
Janet's visual artwork
Completing three days at the Open Studio, Sharon said, "I've produced art in many different countries, but never had so much fun. My heart is filled with gratitude for the people of Sapporo."
Janet said with a smile, "I'd like to thank the people of Sapporo from the bottom of my heart. The young people dancing on the streets of Tanuki Koji were very cooperative when I wanted to film them. Every person I met here in Sapporo was so kind to me, even though I can't speak any Japanese. When I go back to New Zealand I plan on telling everyone what a wonderful place Sapporo is."
Sharon and Janet will depart Sapporo on the 18th of August, spend two days reporting their work, and return to their homes.
I feel the kindness and appreciation they felt in Sapporo will become part of their future work.
Over 50 people attended the opening party.
