木漏れ日
Komorebi
News
December 2024
Presentations Confirmed
- July 2025: Kyara Art House and Residence, Hoi An, Vietnam.
- Summer 2027: 45th Anniversary celebrations of the Canada–Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relation. To showcase world peace through art.
Highlights
- Local partner: Tomo Usuda, U Cafe Hoi An.
- Collaboration with local artists.
- The theme: KOMOREBI – Our presentation will use Japan’s old expression as a bridge connecting the roots of tradition with the aspirations of future generations, and between cultures aiming for a harmonious dialogue through creative expression.
I am very happy to announce that in July of 2025, the Komorebi Canadian art group will be making its first public presentation in Hoi An City, Vietnam, along with workshops with the local artistic community.
Program details will be announced shortly, as the events and logistics will be confirmed in participation with our local hosts and partners, Pham Ngoc Tram and James Crompton of the Kyara Art Centre.
In the summer of 2023, when the Komorebi crew was initially invited to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan and Vietnam-Canada diplomatic relations, Covid uncertainties had forced me to postpone the plan.
The year 2024 came as a turning point, in great measure thanks to our local partner Tomo Usuda, of U Cafe Hoi An who arranged meetings for us with key leaders of the Hoi An artistic community. Among those were Tram and James of the Kyara Art Centre. The convergence of values and interests between Komorebi’s project and Kyara’s mission was a deciding factor in choosing this venue for our presentation and intercultural activities.
Invitation for 2027
Finally, another great news to share. I was privileged to receive a new invitation from U Cafe Hoi An to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan and Vietnam-Canada diplomatic relations, in 2027. Beside taking part in the festivities, 2027 will be an exciting opportunity to organize intercultural meetings and workshops, this time between representatives of 3 countries (Canada, Vietnam and Japan).
More to announce on this in the coming months!
Masami Mikami
July-August 2024
Project Launch and 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
