A Space to Explore "What is Visual Art?"

This is the fifth year for the festival. In essence, it is a space that seeks answers to the multifaceted question of "What is visual art?" through exhibitions, screenings, live performances, and symposiums. It began in February 2009. Although called a "film festival," its English name, "Yebisu International Festival for Art & Alternative Visions," indicates its embrace of art and alternative visual—In other words, from its very first year, the festival has maintained a stance of accepting all forms of visual expression.

Some may be surprised to learn that this event is a "public art initiative." It is organized by the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, a museum specializing in photography and film operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It is part of the "Tokyo Cultural Creation Project," which aims to transmit high-quality culture from Tokyo to the world. Consequently, in addition to the admission fee, most programs can be experienced for free (some with limited seating are paid).

A Gathering of Diverse Genres and Generations

As an international festival, it invites numerous artists from around the world each year. This year features artists who are currently in high demand, such as Sheila Cameritz from Sarajevo, andSheila Cameritz, and Jeremy Deller from London, UK. Alongside these prominent artists, the festival also includes internationally acclaimed major artists like Hito Steyerl from Munich, Germany, Ben Rivers from Somerset, UK,Jeremy Deller, and Harmony Korine from California, USA. Additionally, it showcases emerging Japanese artists who are active beyond the realm of traditional art, such asBen Rivers, and Yasuhiko Suzuki. The lineup features a diverse array of artists spanning different genres and generations.Takao KawaguchiandYasuhiko Suzuki, who are active beyond the realm of traditional art. The lineup features a diverse array of artists spanning different genres and generations.



If artists are the stars of the Yebisu International Festival for Art & Alternative Visions, then the curators and programmers who support them from an academic perspective are the unsung heroes. With their diverse expertise, they truly shine at this event. Not only do they ensure that the works are presented in the best possible light, but they also strive to create an environment that "offers visitors some form of realization" (Curator Junya Yamamine). This emphasis on "curation" is one of the hallmarks of the Yebisu International Festival for Art & Alternative Visions. Art events are no longer uncommon; they are held in various places with different genres and scales. While some events are organized by event planners, the Yebisu International Festival for Art & Alternative Visions aims to introduce works through the discerning eye of professionals within the broad framework of a festival. This is precisely its objective.

Exploring the Power of Visuals Through the Keyword "Diary"

The Yebisu International Festival for Art & Alternative Visions is held every February. This year, it runs for 15 days from February 8 (Fri) to February 24 (Sun), excluding February 12 (Tue) and February 18 (Mon). The overarching theme is "Public ⇄ Diary," exploring the power of visual art through the keyword "diary." Time relentlessly erases the traces, memories, and emotions that people leave throughout their lives. However, visual art allows us to remember, leaving behind visual records can help us forget, or it can clarify things that were once ambiguous. By leveraging the power of visual art, we may be able to relive, gain perspective on, and overcome time.

If we define "diary" as something recorded from the perspective of the person involved, with information related to dates and times, then "diary-like" expressions can be found everywhere. In the realm of visual art, documentaries that explore personal themes can be considered "diary-like" expressions conveyed through film. Furthermore, snapshot photographs taken by photographers, including one of the exhibiting artists, Araki Nobuyoshi, also known as Araki, can be seen as "diary-like" expressions conveyed through photography.Nobuyoshi Araki, can be seen as "diary-like" expressions conveyed through photography.

Nobuyoshi Araki's exhibited work "Sha-kyō Rojin Nikki: Mirai 2011.3.11-2015.4.24" (2012 / 35mm color positive film / Artist, Taka Ishii Gallery Collection)

On a more personal level, blogs and social media have recently emerged as replacements for traditional "diaries." What was once a "diary" written in a private space about personal events is now evolving into something intended for public consumption. The lines between private and public spaces are becoming increasingly blurred. This is a universal theme that everyone, from children to adults, from office workers to artists, engages with in some form. This year's Yebisu International Festival for Art & Alternative Visions boldly delves into this shifting territory.

Event Overview
5th Yebisu International Festival for Art & Alternative Visions: "Public ⇄ Diary"
Dates: February 8 (Fri) - February 24 (Sun) *Excluding February 12 (Tue) and February 18 (Mon)
Hours: 10:00 - 20:00 *Until 18:00 on the final day only
*On February 8 (Fri), 9 (Sat), 10 (Sun), 13 (Wed), 14 (Thu), 16 (Sat), 20 (Wed), 21 (Thu), and 23 (Sat), some exhibits may be inaccessible due to Takao Kawaguchi's performance from 19:00 onwards. Please be advised.
Venue: Tokyo Photographic Art Museum / Yebisu Garden Place Center Plaza / The Garden Room, etc.
Admission: Free *Some screenings and events with limited seating are subject to a fee.
Organizers: Tokyo Metropolitan Government / Tokyo Photographic Art Museum / Tokyo Culture Creation Project Office (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture) / Nikkei Inc.

Planning & Curation / Venues
[Main Venue]
Exhibitions: Tokyo Photographic Art Museum 3F + 2F + B1F Exhibition Halls, etc.
Screenings: Tokyo Photographic Art Museum 1F Hall
Symposiums: Tokyo Photographic Art Museum 1F Hall
Lectures: Tokyo Photographic Art Museum 1F Atelier
Lounge Talks: Tokyo Photographic Art Museum 2F Lounge

[Off-site Venues]
Live Events: The Garden Room (within Yebisu Garden Place)

[Outdoor Exhibitions]
Off-site Exhibitions: Yebisu Garden Place Center Plaza (within Yebisu Garden Place)

[Collaborative Programs in Ebisu Vicinity]
Community Collaboration Programs (Co-hosted): 14 facilities including cultural institutions and galleries in the Ebisu vicinity

Official Website

http://www.yebizo.com