TAKAMATSU — The Setouchi Triennale, one of the largest art festivals in Japan, commenced on April 18, showcasing 256 works by 218 individual and group artists from 37 countries and regions across 17 venues on islands and along coastal areas of the Seto Inland Sea between Kagawa and Okayama prefectures.
Each piece is designed to blend into the local environment, with the Setouchi Triennale Executive Committee stating, “By viewing the artworks, we hope people will gain a deeper understanding of the land.”
For the first time, Seijima island in Sakaide, Kagawa Prefecture, has been included as a venue. Among the exhibits is “African Mother and Child, Warrior Girl” by Kyotaro Hakamata, statues set on a rocky shore. Though the artist created the work as an alien presence in the landscape, it accentuates the existing statuettes of the Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) in the foreground. “Next,” a statue of a high school girl by Tomotaka Yasui, is placed on a breakwater, gazing toward the industrial area across the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ohashi Bridge, integrating seamlessly with the scenery.
The Setouchi Triennale has been held every three years since 2010. The festival aims to revitalize the islands, which are experiencing population decline and aging, by harnessing the power of art and for visitors to rediscover the allure of the Seto Inland Sea under the theme of “restoration of the sea.” Approximately 1 million visitors attend each edition. This sixth version features the highest number of exhibits to date, including art that evokes the region’s past lifestyle and spirit, large outdoor installations and interactive experiences that allow viewers to immerse themselves in the artworks.
This year’s edition is divided into three periods: spring, summer and autumn. The spring session runs until May 25. For more details, visit the official website at
https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/
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(Japanese original by Masahiko Sasaki, Takamatsu Bureau)