For the 8th time running but my first time to attend. Public space? How about private space? Art Osaka 2010 is held in the top 4 floors of the Dojima Hotel. Utilizing space to a new level of originality. Each of the rooms on the hotel, given to the creative devices of the Galleries, made for a completely unique space for showing art. Navigating each of the transformed room and finding each new take on the display of art was an intriguing experience.

If you missed it, you will know for next time, if you check out FLAG Osaka art guide.

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The Kyoto Art Center is holding an artists exchange exhibition featuring the work of 3 Japanese and 3 Korean artists. Point is only exhibiting until January 24th. A little late on the heads up but perhaps if you have time check it out. The purpose of the exhibition being to improve relations between artists and critics between the two countries. Talks were held on the opening day between, critics, artist and the curators. Pretty informative and a really interesting look at Korean art styles I had not seen before.

The artist mentioned they had intended to do more in the process and creative side of the contemporary artists exchange. The end result seemed like an exhibition of comparison rather than a process of interaction. Though doing things internationally is tough. Funding, transport and communication provide the biggest barriers. I found the process and their explanations really informative. Though I want to ask the question; How does an exhibition of a group of artists working to a theme become an exchange in process rather than an exchange in ideas post creation. Ideas are important but the process of how an artist works and how they concept the work is perhaps more interesting for the artist and result would differ greater. For example providing a workshop and an exchange of techniques, making use of each others creative spaces and learning where inspiration comes from. Artist in residency is an attempt at this, but always seems a little like bringing skills to an environment rather than exchanging skills through mediums. The approach taken here was to allow artists to network with curators extensively beforehand.

I think a unique process was best achieved in a collaboration between classic musicians and artists. Musicians were asked to interpret pieces done by contemporary artists. The performance at the opening was the 88th of such. Though it was hard for me to reference it back to the contemporary art. Partly because of language but also because the artwork was not on display. The artist gave a talk about it though.

Kyoto Art Center is a great contemporary art space and worth checking out. Reformed from an old school, the original timber, fittings and feel still exist.

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I can walk to this place. The Hosomi Museum features no permanent exhibitions but interchanging features concentrated around the traditional Japanese arts. I saw a rinpa show with some stand out works from the edo period in Japan.

On entrance you get a sticker with the day written on it as proof of entry. No ticket stub or anything like that. I quite liked the idea. The attention to detail amazes here.

Starting from the 28th of December is an exhibition of Japanese patterns that I am looking forward to seeing. Pattern work is increasingly on my mind and I love the detail and way it is used in Japan design. Check out the website for more details: Hosomi Museum

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I got down to Elixir cafe for an Osaka design and arts networking event. FLAG Osaka, a free gallery and exhibition listing, had its launch party and there was a nice turnout. The publication features current information about exhibitions around Osaka and some profiles of local artists and events.The good spots are flagged on the map for you to easily find. Pick it up in cafes and galleries around Osaka. I am sure many people interested in Japan design and art will find this useful as it is often hard to find English information about art in Kansai.

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They used a variety of methods to get movement into the piece. Having to wipe the canvas clean and do it smoothly to match the effect seemed like a challenge.

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Dane Ash Designer

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interiors were a focus

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The artist

A detail of the large piece

7 Days Live Painting. I visited the art space where Hachio was in the midst of creating this insane piece. The Kyoto local performs live painting in Kyoto clubs, galleries and spaces. Usually of a massive scale and created instinctively to music, the works are a stunning mix of influences and talent. I caught him during a break from painting sipping on a lager after a painting session. See the results of all the hard work at the exhibition. 2008.10.5(sun) – 2008.10.19(sun) at Antenna Alternative Art Space

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