Overseas Artists Present - Open Studio
June 18th to June 20th was an "Open Studio" night with two artists, Patavee Viranuvat and Steve Carr - two artists who were invited to Sapporo for an artist in residency program hosted by ICC, NPO S-AIR, and the Japan Foundation. Their Open Studio showcased the work they created during their stay in Japan. Over 100 people visited in three days.
Steve (left) and Patavee (right) as they give an opening welcome.
New Zealand modern artist Steve Carr produced work titled "The Weight of the Sun." His theme, 'The artificial and the real,' was central to creating his pieces, which he commissioned a Hokkaido sculptor, photographer, and videographer for. The studio was lined with wooden baseball gloves, badminton birdies, photos featuring Steve himself, and bonsai style video and artificial flower arrangements.
"I want people to see my work and ask, 'what is this? What is he trying to say?' I want them to think of a lot of questions," says Steve.
Steve holds a badminton birdie in his mouth. With a closer look, you can see that each are subtly different.
Steve communicated his idea to a sculptor in Asahikawa to create these wooden gloves (left). Badminton birdies (right)
In the foreground you can see the flowers that look like bonsai.
Thai video artist Patavee Viranuvat created pieces along his theme 'mother and child.' Interviewing parents and children in Sapporo as well as Thai women that had to leave their children in their home country to work in Hokkaido, Patavee created a documentary called "Cheers to Mom!" The documentary weaves together the hopes and fears mothers have for their children with the feelings of appreciation children have for their mothers.
Patavee's retro-looking installation reminds one of the Showa era. His family photos were also mixed in.
A screening in the fourth floor hall followed the opening party. The entrance to the hall was very memorable.
Patavee turned the entrance into a tunnel that reminded one of being in the womb. Photos of babies in the womb, babies still connected by the umbilical cord, and other works relating to birth lined the walls. The audience walked through this tunnel - a baby being born - into the hall for the screening.
The tunnel had a mystical feeling that reminded one of being born.
Through the tunnel comes the story of life.
Patavee sang a song about his mother before beginning the screening.。
Some things are hard to say face-to-face, but no one in this documentary held back their true feelings about their mothers or children.
Following the close of the Open Studio, Steve says, "It was a great experience focusing solely on producing artwork for two months. Also, to have worked with so many talented artists here in Hokkaido was an amazing experience. Even if we can't understand each other's language, there's no need for such a thing if we can 'see and feel' art together."
Patavee says, "Time flew. At the first screening, I found out that the audience felt the same way I do about the connection of parent and child. Even though we are from different countries and cultures, that feeling will always be the same."
Everybody together after the screening
Patavee treated everyone to his homemade tom yum goong after the party.
