>>Information About the Exhibition
　 　 　 　
　 　 Aim of the Exhibition 　
　 　 　The purpose of this exhibition is to promote the culture of the Tsugaru area by displaying new works from Hirosaki born artist, Nara Yoshitomo.In this show, there are about 60 new works which include drawings, three-dimensional works, and installation pieces. This is his largest and first solo exhibition in Japan.This exhibition was first shown at the Yokohama Art Museum and has since moved to Ashiya City Art Museum, Hiroshima City Modern Art Museum, and Asahikawa Art Museum in Hokkaido. Finally, the show will end in Hirosaki at the Yoshii Shuzo Brick Brewery Warehouse which has been specially converted to a gallery for the purpose of this exhibition.Nara Yoshitomo was born in Hirosaki in 1959. He is a leading contemporary artist who has attracted attention from around the world, thus helping to put Japan on the map in the world of contemporary art.He is known for his unique drawings of children with slanted, glaring eyes whose powerful stare is both inviting and alienating at the same time. The exhibition will take place at the Yoshi Shuzo Brick Warehouse in Nara's hometown of Hirosaki. The Yoshi Shuzo Brick Warehouse is a huge, red, brick warehouse that was once used to brew apple liquor. It was the oldest apple liquor brewery in Japan.In the summer of 2000, Nara left his studio in Germany to return to Japan. When he walked into the warehouse for the first time, he was instantly attracted to the beauty of the space.Thus, the exhibition has sprung from Nara's encounter with this space. This exhibition has several aims. First, this exhibition wishes to introduce his art to the people of his hometown. Next, the exhibition's aim is to focus attention on the space of where art is shown, specifically a warehouse space which is very attractive to artists.
 　
　 　     　
　 　    　
　 　 Intention 　
　 　  The Hirosaki version of the Yoshitomo Nara Exhibition is the only exhibition that has been funded and brought to you by local businesses and donors. All the other locations of this exhibition have been publicly organized and funded.The management for this exhibition has been organized by a number of volunteers as well as committee members. As a result, the people of Hirosaki have had the chance to work intimately with the construction of this exhibition.It is extremely rare in Japan, for an exhibition of this size to be brought forth solely with the help of volunteers. It is very important and necessary to have this exhibition in a space that is not administratively controlled, and instead in a space where the people are directly involved in the process. Also, this exhibition has helped rebuild the Yoshii Shuzo Brick Warehouse which is an important symbol of Japanese culture.Yoshi Shuzo Brick Warehouse is located in the center of Hirosaki city.　　We hope that the renovation of this warehouse will help rejuvenate the downtown area of Hirosaki and perhaps lead to more constructions of cultural centers.For more than 10 years, people have been discussing ways to renovate the warehouse, but no concrete plans were made. Finally, the owner of the warehouse agreed to the use of the warehouse expressly for the purpose of exhibiting Nara Yoshitomo's works. The owner gave us permission to use the building free of charge.Although this exhibition charges an entrance fee, all profits will be used for other cultural projects and for the furthering of the arts, similar to how this warehouse has played a role in this exhibition.We hope that with this exhibition, the Yoshii Shuzo Brick Warehouse will continue to play a role in hosting future cultural projects in and around Hirosaki. We hope that this exhibition will stimulate creativity in our community and bring about further cultural development in Aomori for the future. We hope that this background information will give you a fresh perspective on art and the role art can play on a community. 　
　 　 　 　
　 　 　 　
　 　 Purpose of the Project 　
　 　 1. To bring attention to Aomori Prefecture and Hirosaki City as an art site by exhibiting Nara's works in his hometown.2. To help promote the arts of Aomori and Hirosaki.3. The exhibition is part of "Nara Yoshitomo Exhibition I Don't Mind If You Forget Me"organized by the Yokohama Art Museum. However, the Hirosaki　exhibition is the only version that is completely organized by civilians and volunteers. Thus, this exhibition hopes to bring new cultural projects into Hirosaki city. 4. Many elementary and junior high school students will visit the exhibition sponsored by the Board of Education which will bring closer ties between the arts and young people.5. To renovate the brick warehouse.
 		　
　 　 　 　
　 　 　 　
<<<TOP   <<BACK