H-AIR Monthly Report - July / Daniel Wesseik
Second Month of the Residency
July marked the second month of the residency. This month, my focus shifted to creativity, engaging in residency activities, and exploring more parts of Japan, alongside more activities in Hiroshima and its surroundings.
Sketching and testing
I was inspired by the zine making session that Sujin, Britt and I had, and by the mentor meetings with Koji Yamamura and Shizuka Miyazaki and decided to develop an idea for a story that I had before coming over to Japan. At this stage I test and work in various formats and techniques to try and get a grip on what I want to communicate and how.
Caption: working area
Caption: visual tests and sketches
Getting inspired by more parts of Japan
My sister's visit provided the perfect opportunity to explore Japan further. I spent time in Tokyo and Kyoto, and next to visiting shrines and walking (and resting due to the heat!) around the city, I visited museums and exhibitions. These visits were meaningful because I kept having the project in mind and related every object or fact that I was exposed to to the project.
It was extremely inspiring and mind blowing to visit museums of traditional Japanese art and tradition, next to more contemporary artists. Apparently, in many Japanese museums it is forbidden to take pictures, which “forced” me to mostly take notes and write ideas in my notes.
The two museums that were particularly interesting were the Suntory Museum of Art in Tokyo with an amazing collection of historical objects from the life of Japan back in the days and the exhibition at the national museum of modern art in Kyoto of works by YOKOO Tadanori. The colors, mixed visual language and strong compositions I found very appealing.
Caption: Inspiration: YOKOO Tadanori’s poster, artifact from Suntory Museum of Art, Kagura theater show in Hiroshima
Workshop
I gave a workshop in which the participants made self portraits with text. The workshop was held in one of the venues of Hiroshima University. The participants could also integrate text using the typewriter that I brought along to the workshop. I had a great time and at the end of the day felt very grateful and satisfied. I hope that the participants had an insightful and a good time as well.
Caption: group picture from the workshop
Residency activity
Aside from all these, the constant lovely activity of the residency also took place, with exhibitions we had around the city and with a private screening of classic Japanese animations which was very inspiring.
Caption: posters of my work for the poster exhibition
Caption: group poster exhibition
The last month of the residency is coming, and with it the well anticipated festival and the exhibition of our work in it. The previous H-AIR residency lasted six months and I am slightly envious of them now, and hope to continue and experience this month to its fullest.