The eagerly awaited fifth edition of Go For Kogei is set to enchant art and craft enthusiasts from September 14 to October 20, 2024. This year’s theme, “Craft and Art: Philosophies for Life,” promises to present contemporary crafts in a new light, attracting visitors from around the world. Since its debut in 2020, Go For Kogei has captivated over 140,000 visitors across its previous four iterations.
Go For Kogei 2024 will showcase works by a diverse group of craftspeople, designers, and artists, emphasizing the elements of material, technique, utility, and expression. The event will be held in two historic areas: the Iwase Area in Toyama Prefecture and the Higashiyama Area in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture. These locations, with their rich cultural heritage, will serve as vibrant canvases, transforming the traditional landscapes into immersive art spaces.
Building on the success of previous years, the Iwase Area will once again host unique site-specific installations. Visitors can enjoy the local sake and culinary delights while exploring the distinct architecture and scenic beauty of this historic district. Meanwhile, a new addition to this year's event, the Higashiyama Area will deeply explore the theme “Craft and Art: Philosophies for Life.” Programs and installations here will draw from Go For Kogei’s 2021 project, “Craft and Design: Kogei in Daily Life,” offering fresh insights into the role of craft in modern living.
Akimoto Yuji, the Executive Director and Curator of Go For Kogei, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming event. He said, “Go For Kogei 2024 features an exciting array of craftspeople, designers, and artists. This exhibition offers a nuanced perspective on contemporary craft and art, highlighting the essential qualities of material, technique, utility, and expression. By integrating these works into the daily life and traditional cityscapes of Iwase and Higashiyama, we hope to transform the familiar into the extraordinary. We invite visitors to gain new insights into the significance of craft and art in contemporary life.”
The Hokuriku region is celebrated for its rich craft traditions, including Kutani ware, Wajima lacquerware, and Japanese paper (washi). Toyama is particularly noted for its glass art, while Kanazawa hosts prestigious art institutions. This event aims to spotlight the region’s cultural heritage and the innovative spirit of its artists. Despite the significant earthquake in Noto earlier this year, Go For Kogei 2024 will proceed as planned in Kanazawa and Toyama. Organizers assure visitors of their safety and encourage them to explore the resilient beauty of the Hokuriku region.
This year’s exhibition will feature the works of 37 artists and craftspeople. Among them are Yui Ishiwata, a textile artist who explores primordial beauty through large-scale cloth works; Hirofumi Isoya, an artist who questions perceptions of existence and time through photography and sculpture; and Tsutomu Iwasaki, a wood carver combining traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. Additionally, the internationally acclaimed artist Tomokazu Matsuyama will present an installation of sculpture and video in the town of Iwase.
Go For Kogei 2024 warmly invites everyone to experience the transformative power of craft and art in the heart of Hokuriku. For more details and to plan your visit, please visit the official Go For Kogei website.
More information
Title: Go For Kogei 2024
Theme: Craft and Art: Philosophies for Life
Exhibition Dates: September 14–October 20, 2024 (37 days)
Venues: Iwase Area (Toyama, Toyama Prefecture) & Higashiyama Area (Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture)
Organizers: NPO Syuto Kanazawa, Japan Arts Council, Agency for Cultural Affairs
Website: https://goforkogei.com/en/
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