Champagne Maison's Support for Art

Kyoto, a city with a 1,000-year history and a global cultural hub, hosts a photography festival every year around cherry blossom season: KYOTOGRAPHIE. The 5th edition this year ran for a month from April 15th to May 14th, attracting a large number of visitors.

During the festival, various historical buildings throughout the city were transformed into art spaces, exhibiting works by world-renowned photographers from Japan and abroad, including Arnold Newman, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Nobuyoshi Araki. Additionally, a diverse range of photography-related events were held, such as live painting, talk shows, and workshops.

The garden of Ryosokuin, a sub-temple within Kennin-ji

At Ryosokuin. The transparent bottle of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs stands out against the tatami and fusuma interior.

Since its founding, Ruinart has cultivated a deep connection with art through collaborations with artists and participation in and support of numerous art events. Ruinart has been involved with KYOTOGRAPHIE as a sponsor since 2016. Last year, it unveiled "Light by Erwin Olaf presented by Ruinart," a collaborative work with Dutch photographer Erwin Olaf, which was met with acclaim. This year, the Maison showcased the photographic works of Italian artist Gilda Lavia, a descendant of the Ruinart founding family, drawing considerable attention.

"Ruinart, a company that has succeeded in making people happy and feel good with the magical drink of champagne—supporting art, which, like champagne, entertains and moves people. I think it's a very good cycle."

So says Yuma Tomoki, OPENERS' Editor-in-Chief. Born and raised in Kyoto, he visited the press preview of this international photography festival held in his hometown.

A Transparent Bottle That Complements Japanese Aesthetics

Upon arriving in Kyoto, Yuma's first stop was Ryosokuin, a sub-temple within Kennin-ji, Kyoto's oldest Zen temple. After enjoying lunch there with a bottle of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, he spoke of his renewed admiration for the bottle's beauty.

"The transparent bottle of Blanc de Blancs, shimmering in a champagne gold, looked so beautiful against the tatami and fusuma of Ryosokuin."

Champagne bottles are typically green to block out light, which helps maintain quality. However, Ruinart's Blanc de Blancs uses a clear bottle to showcase the beauty of the champagne itself. "The way it harmonized with the delicate yet solemn Japanese interior was particularly striking."

Ruinart's counter set up at Gallery Sokei

Italian artist Gilda Lavia (right), a descendant of the Ruinart founding family

After visiting several exhibition venues, Yuma headed to Gallery Sokei, Ruinart's exhibition space, as the western sky began to turn crimson. At the gallery, which features a modern Japanese aesthetic in a renovated traditional house, he enjoyed Ruinart Rosé while viewing Gilda Lavia's "The Yokohama Project 1867-2016 presented by Ruinart."

The work was inspired by the landscapes and people of Japan during the late Edo and early Meiji periods, captured by the 19th-century photojournalist Felice Beato, and by the travelogue of Gilda's ancestor, who came to Japan in 1867 as the first Italian ambassador's wife. It was a conceptual piece that captured the past and present of Japan from a Western perspective.

"Gilda's work felt like she was painting her inner landscape through photography, which I found fascinating. I had the chance to speak with her at the venue, and she herself was more charming than her art. The artist's own charisma is also important."

Editor-in-Chief Yuma Tomoki viewing Gilda Lavia's work at Gallery Sokei

Gilda Lavia

After enjoying a conversation with Gilda over Ruinart Rosé, Yuma proceeded to Nijo Castle. Built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu as a Kyoto residence, it is one of Kyoto's foremost historical structures and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.

Within the castle, the kitchen of the Ninomaru Palace served as a venue for an exhibition of works by Arnold Newman, an American photographer considered one of the 20th century's leading portrait photographers, alongside an art car that Andy Warhol once painted on a BMW M1. Furthermore, on the day Yuma visited, there was a live painting session by Spanish artist Miquel Barceló, often called the Picasso of the modern era.

"To be in the setting of an old castle like Nijo Castle, as if stepping into a historical drama, to view the works of artists like Newman and Barceló, and to have Ruinart there as well... it was a truly surreal and wonderful experience."

The Luxury of Enjoying Art in a Place That Sharpens the Senses

After concluding his art viewing for the first day at Nijo Castle, Yuma spent the entire second day visiting numerous exhibition spaces scattered throughout Kyoto, enjoying a variety of works. So, how did this photography festival, held in his hometown, strike him as someone born and raised in Kyoto?

"Kyoto is lined with historical buildings, and to preserve their atmospheric scenery, residents impose delicate rules on themselves regarding building construction and signage colors. I believe this stems from a reverence for their city and history, and the awareness that such charming scenery influences their own consciousness. For instance, in Kyoto, one can experience moments that touch the heart—like 'the flowers are beautiful,' 'oh, the light is lovely,' or 'the breeze is refreshing'—multiple times a day. To be able to appreciate artists' works in spaces that are not museums, including historical sites not usually open to the public, in a setting where the senses are heightened... and to also enjoy Ruinart champagne there (laughs). It's a truly luxurious experience, and KYOTOGRAPHIE, a festival that allows for such luxurious moments, is a wonderful event."

Spanish painter Miquel Barceló, dubbed the Picasso of the modern era

At the Ninomaru Palace kitchen in Nijo Castle. The art car painted by Andy Warhol on a BMW M1.

Yuma, who regularly enjoys Ruinart, recommends Blanc de Blancs as the perfect companion for art appreciation.

"Drinking Ruinart puts me in a very good mood (tipsy!). It feels like something opens up, and I can enjoy the artwork more. Plus, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs has a light, crisp taste that lifts my spirits. In that sense, I think it's a champagne that complements art."