Kyoto's Historic Sites Transformed by Art

Kyoto, a historic city that continues to captivate people from Japan and abroad, serves as the backdrop for PARASOPHIA: Kyoto International Festival of Contemporary Art 2015. This exhibition brings together 36 leading international artists, creating a unique intersection of the city's timeless charm and its global appeal.

PARASOPHIA, helmed by Artistic Director Shinji Kawamoto, former chief curator at the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, has been two years in the making. During this preparation period, most of the participating artists were invited to Kyoto. Drawing inspiration not only from the city's culture, history, and heritage, but also from the daily lives of its residents, the artists have embraced Kyoto as a catalyst for creating new works.

The main venues are the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art and The Museum of Kyoto. These historic buildings will be entirely filled with contemporary art, creating unprecedented spaces. Visitors can expect to see a giant mobile stage by Miwa Yanagi, alongside works by popular artists such as Yasumasa Morimura and Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster, each constructing their own distinct worlds.

Additionally, the Horikawa Housing Complex, built in the early 1950s north of Nijo Castle, will showcase works by artists like Akira Sasamoto and Brandt Junceau, fostering art spaces that celebrate the synergy between location and artist.

As cherry blossoms herald spring in Kyoto, the city will be enveloped in art. It's an invitation to explore Kyoto anew, beyond its usual spring scenery.