PR88109

FUKUOKA, Japan, Feb. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

-The Agency for Cultural Affairs presents "CULTURE GATE to JAPAN"

On February 10, 2021, The Agency for Cultural Affairs opened a new art exhibit

at Fukuoka Airport as part of their "CULTURE GATE to JAPAN" initiative,

beginning with the works of animator MIZUE Mirai. On February 27, the works of

a second artists, digital creator MURAYAMA Macoto, will be added to the

exhibit. These two artists' works will be exhibited at the airport as well as

on the web, with the aim of promoting the appeals of Japanese culture and

sharing it with the world.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1439167/image1.jpg

<Fukuoka Airport Event Overview>

The theme at Fukuoka Airport is "PATTERN." The Kyushu area, where the airport

is located, is known for its rich craft traditions, including Arita ware

(Arita-yaki), Satsuma ware (Satsuma-yaki), and Hakata-ori textiles. In this

exhibit, two artists present works inspired by the idea of "PATTERN," which is

an integral component of handicrafts.

Kyushu has had a rich history of exchange with the Asian continent since

ancient times, welcoming its craftsmen and incorporating many of its cultural

resources. Artisans in the area developed unique Japanese handicrafts and

exported them to the continent as well as to Europe, America, and the rest of

the world.

MIZUE Mirai, one of the artists involved in the exhibit, is an animation

director who expresses his view on life through the movement of various

figures, including geometrical patterns. MIZUE has created animations that

appear to live and breathe, inspired by the rich patterns that emerged from the

unique native handicrafts that developed across Kyushu as a result of the

interplay between a variety of cultural elements.

The second artist, MURAYAMA Macoto, is a digital artist who uses exhaustive

observation to create botanical diagrams in such minute detail that they

resemble sophisticated architectural drawings. He has created original graphics

for the Fukuoka Airport exhibit inspired by the botanical paintings

traditionally used to decorate Arita ware, a type of porcelain renowned

worldwide. His work has in turn been used to decorate new Arita ware as well.

-Period: Exhibits open on February 10 (Work by MIZUE)

February 27 (Work by MURAYAMA)

-Location: Fukuoka Airport

Domestic Terminal Arrivals Entrance, Floor 1

*Works will be exhibited at the above location until March 17. After March 19,

the works will be moved to the International Terminal, Floor 4.

-Entrance fee: Free

-Theme: PATTERN Focusing on the patterns of Kyushu's crafts

-Title: MANDALA-Q MIZUE Mirai

Arita ware x Inorganic flora "Chrysanthemum" MURAYAMA Macoto

-Artists:

Animation Director

MIZUE Mirai

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1438174/image2.jpg

Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1981, MIZUE Mirai is an animation director who

creates non-narrative pieces with cellular and geometric motifs. Known for his

unique, eye-catching abstract animations, MIZUE is involved in a wide variety

of projects that include independent animation and music videos. Nominated at

all four of the world's top animated film festivals (Annecy, Ottowa, Hiroshima,

and Zagreb), his most famous work, MODERN No. 2 enjoyed its world premiere at

the Venice Film Festival and won the Original Music Prize at the Annecy

International Animation Film Festival. The world premiere of MIZUE's Wonder

took place at the Berlin International Film Festival and went on to win the

CANAL + Creative Aid prize at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

He is currently working on his first full-length animation, tentatively titled

Mirai Mizue's Journey to the West.

Digital Artist

MURAYAMA Macoto

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1438170/image3.jpg

Born in 1984, MURAYAMA Macoto is a digital artist who creates detailed

botanical images by combining his talent for minute observation with his

exceptional computer graphics skills. Murayama makes expert use of 3D modeling

software and other digital tools, integrating organic plant forms with an

architectural visual aesthetic. His work opens up new possibilities in

botanical and engineering drawings by combining artistic and scientific

approaches. Major awards include the Asia Digital Art Award, the Fukuoka

Governor's Award, and the Minister of MEXT Award at the 2017 Asia Digital Art

Awards.

<About CULTURE GATE to JAPAN>

Beginning in February of 2021, the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of

Japan will launch an innovative cultural promotion project called "CULTURE GATE

to JAPAN." Held at seven airports across Japan as well as the Tokyo

International Cruise Terminal, artists and creators active in the field of

Media Arts will exhibit artworks inspired by the unique culture of each area

with the goal of communicating the broader appeal of Japanese culture.

The global effects of the novel coronavirus have made it difficult to meet new

people and experience new cultures in person.  However, that should not

interrupt the exchange of art, ideas, and culture. Through this project, we

hope to continue providing people around the world with the same sense of

wonder and joy felt when encountering a new culture.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1438173/image4.jpg

Organizer: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan

Official Website: https://culture-gate.jp/

Exhibit at Fukuoka Airport: https://culture-gate.jp/exhibition/pattern

SOURCE Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan CULTURE GATE to JAPAN

Initiative

Image Attachments Links:

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=384561

   Caption: ‘MANDALA-Q’ by MIZUE Mirai

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=384563

   Caption: Animation Director MIZUE Mirai

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=384564

   Caption: Digital Artist MURAYAMA Macoto

   Link: http://asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=384565

   Caption: Scan here for more information about the exhibit at Fukuoka Airport