Australian artist, curator and chef to participate in the 2016 Setouchi Triennale, Japan

Asialink Arts is proud to participate in the Setouchi Triennale, 2016. The arts festival takes place across 12 islands located in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan. Artist Naomi Eller will present a site specific project to coincide with the official summer festival launch on the 18th of July, exhibiting work alongside artists from Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Curated by Joanna Bosse, the Melbourne based duo are currently on residency on the Island of Shodoshima, known for its spectacular scenery. Working with local stone, Naomi is creating an immersive installation using a combination of ceramic sculptures, stone and collage in a re-purposed elementary school.

Based in a region experiencing economic decline and an aging population, the triennale uses art for social change in an approach that combines art, food, architecture and nature. Since its inception in 2010, the festival has not only been highly successful in attracting large audiences, but has also been responsible for an increase in residents moving back to affected areas.

Projects will continue to roll out in 2016, when Australian chef Adam Liaw travels to the region in August. Well-known in Australia and Japan, Adam will work with Fukuda locals through a workshop featuring Modern Australian cuisine made from local ingredients sourced on the Island. His workshop recipes will be offered at a community-run Ryue Nishizawa designed restaurant for the duration of the Triennale.

This is Asialink’s second inclusion in the Setouchi Triennale, and cements a longstanding relationship with festival organisers Art Front Gallery and the Fukutake Foundation. Previous Asialink residents to the Setouchi Triennale include artist Jackson Slattery and Chef Andrew McConnell (2013). Asialink has also participated in Setouchi’s sister festival, the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial through resident Ulanda Blair (2012) and Snuff Puppets (2015).

Supported by the Australia-Japan Foundation and the Australian Embassy, Tokyo.