The Japan’s biggest international exhibitions of contemporary art.

First held in 2001, the 3rd series of International Triennale of Contemporary Art “Yokohama Triennale 2008” begins on September 13th, 2008.
73 selected artists from 25 different countries and regions will be put on display at three main venue at where newly established Shinko Pier, Red Brick Warehouse No.1 and NYK Waterfront Warehouse (BankART Studio NYK). The session will be held for about two and a half months until November 30th, 2008.

The theme of this triennale is “Time Crevasse” that means “Rip of time”.
Based on the concept that look into the rip (crevasse) without being thrown in a rapid information society at time usually in the pool of time, the Triennale features large-scale installation, a visual work, and a performing art.

Let’s introduce you to some artworks from the biggest venue of Shinko Pier.

Jonathan Meese – Dr. NO-METABOLISM IN MOOMINGYM like SOLDIER-FLASH-BLUE de MING (BABYKINGKONG IS BACK IN FANTOMAS-GYM) thanks…　1912-2012

At immediate right hand from the Shinko Pier entrance, the German artist Jonathan Meese’s powerful installation artwork is displayed with bloody red characters saying “DICTATORSHIP OF ART”.
He was acclaimed by his installation work at the Berlin Biennale in 1998 and became one of leading modern artists from Germany since then.
In fact, this is an installation work which was finished up by Jonathan himself with many of spectators on the opening first day of this Triennale.

Jonathan Meese – Dr. NO-METABOLISM IN MOOMINGYM like SOLDIER-FLASH-BLUE de MING (BABYKINGKONG IS BACK IN FANTOMAS-GYM) thanks…　1912-2012

The photo collection of World War II, Adolf Hitler and Mussolini’s photographs are casually pasted to the wall and the floor, and a peculiar outlook on the world is created with Jonathan’s own portrait photograph.
The work of Jonathan Meese, being said the pros and cons, with a cult solemnity possesses the mythical outlook that can be called man’s like power, the desire, and a belief, etc, and has strong individuality and power.

Michelangelo Pistoletto – 17-1, 2008

This is the creation using huge mirrors by Michelangelo Pistoletto of Bierra, Italy.
All mirrors are shattered up one by one with a hammer, and broken pieces are scattered under the mirror. It is a strong artwork that can be said that the new dimensionality will arise between the people (looking person) and the people who are reflected in the mirror.

Pedro Reyes – Baby Marx, 2008

The Mexican artist, Pedro Reyes exhibits the puppet of a historical politician and the revolutionist such as Marx, Adam Smith, Lenin, Stalin, and Mao Zedong. It is a work that can feel Pedro’s personal thought and problem presentation though it has a lovely expression.

Near the Shinko Pier, the 3rd main venue of Red Brick Warehouse No.1 will have various programs as a place for the performance besides being used as for the concert and the lecture series, etc.

Miranda July – The Hallway, 2008

Personally, my most impressive creation in this Triennale was done by Miranda July who is one of upcoming artists from the United States.
You may recall her name from the movie “Me and you and everyone we know”, which Miranda was a main actor and also the director.
On this Triennale, Miranda introduced the 49 panels that are set up on the long hallway. The story like the snakes and ladders is written on the each panel that continues over and over again. As you reading ahead, it will then make you feel like the question to yourself. Moreover, each sentence is written in Japanese one side and the other side is translated into English. It is a unique artwork that you can enjoy spending time.

Hanne Darboven – 24 Gesänge

Also German artist, Hanne Darboven presents number of same form of memos that consists of the some progression and the string. It might be making the work perform, the quiet tone of organ sound was echoing.
Assuming from the title, this artwork seems to be musical scores, but only Hanne is sure to understand the pronunciation and the rule of the notes. It was a comfortable space for a while

At NYK Waterfront Warehouse (BankART Studio NYK) where I visited at the end, there are mainly visual artworks from total 21 artists including Matthew Barney, Douglas Gordon, and Saburo Teshigawara, etc. Some creations contains really shocking and grotesque image that may make you want to turn your eyes away. In fact, some booths have age restriction or warning message for getting into inside at front.

Marina Abramovic – Soul operation table

Serbia born Marina Abramovic is one of leading female performing artist.
She has received high acclaim internationally from her performance video work and the installation that refers to an individual history and the society based on the body performance. This time, she introduced three operating tables entitled “Soul operation table”.
In an inorganic space of a dim concrete strike, different height of three operating table is set up with different strength of the light applied respectively.
It was such an indescribable space where I felt moisture air somehow. It seemed to be my soul would be squeezed out just by being there.

All of three venues I introduce this time is located walking distance between each, but I would recommend for those of you, who would like to take a closer look for each creation, to take plenty of time with easy waking outfits.
I couldn’t visit this time, but there is another beautiful Japanese garden type of venue named “Sankeien Garden” and you will find more of interesting artwork there.
Also a lot of participation types of events are being held according to the day though the session.
It is such a large-scale experienced-based art exhibition for little kids to adult. Please enjoy the latest modern art by the style of your own way.

Yokohama Triennale 20088
Date: September 13 – November30, 2008 (79 days/ Open Every Day)
Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (entrance until 17:00)
Venue: Central and Waterfront Sites in Yokohama

Text and photos: Naoko Kawaguchi