木漏れ日
Komorebi
News
Vietnam: Project Launch – July-August 2024
Discovery of Hoi An
On this first visit to Vietnam for the Komorebi art projet, I (Masami Mikami, Project Lead) headed to the beautiful city of Hoi An. It captivated me. The preserved architecture, colourful lanterns, and vibrant riverside life made it a place where history and creativity blend effortlessly. Meeting the local artistic community, I discovered a rich tradition of craftsmanship, theater, and visual arts that speaks to the soul of the city.
Hoi An, a unique cultural gem in Vietnam, was recognized in 1999 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional preservation of ancient architecture.
In 2023, it became an official member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of crafts and folk art. On September 3rd, 2024, Hội An was declared “Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination” by the World Travel Awards (WTA), for the fifth year in a row.
Hoi An is thriving as a cultural hub, a living testament to Vietnam’s evolving cultural identity.
Japanese Covered Bridge (Lai Vien Kieu), one of the symbols of Hoi An Ancient Town with unique architecture, was built from the 17th century.
It was a great pleasure to meet Tram and James of Kyara in Hoi An, Vietnam.
They have created a space for creativity and cultural exchange (Kyara Art House) that is truly impressive. The passion they have for the arts and boundless exploration of both ancient and new crafts is contagious.
A Crucial Step Forward
As part of the Komorebi art project, my first visit to Hoi An, Vietnam, represents a crucial step in the development of my artistic work and in deepening cultural exchanges between Canada and Vietnam. This visit allows me to establish direct connections with local artisans and artists, while incorporating their rich heritage into a multidisciplinary creation that aligns with the Canada Council for the Arts’ mission to promote innovation and diversity in artistic practices.
The exceptional historical and cultural setting of Hoi An provides an inspiring backdrop where history blends with contemporary artistic practices. By collaborating with key figures like Tram and James from Kyara, I am engaging in a creative dynamic that resonates with the international development goals of Canadian arts. Kyara Art House is a space for intercultural and artistic exchange, conducive to the birth of new forms of expression and reflection on the impact of traditional crafts in contemporary art.
This upcoming public presentation, in 2025, will not only allow me to develop the Komorebi project in synergy with local artistic practices but also expand perspectives on the role of Canadian arts internationally. The project will thus gain greater exposure and strengthen ties between Canada and Vietnam in a context of creative dialogue.
Many thanks to Tomo Usuda for the ground work and introductions.
See you next year!
Masami Mikami
