Five Things We Learned From Kyotographie Festival
International Photo Festival Kyotographie with its theme of ‘UP’ is over for another year. If you haven’t made it up, we’ve rounded up five key takeaways from the event.
Over the month, Kyoto was transformed into a hub of creativity, jam-packed with dozens of workshops and exhibitions. From amateurs to world-renowned photographers, participants presented their views on social changes, self-awareness and creation. Before the stable door on another awesome festival is closed, here is five things we learned.
Many creative spots in Kyoto to discover
Having traditional culture and well preserved historical buildings, Kyoto remains to this day top of the list of old landmarks. However, it is Kyoto that is bringing forth the new cutting edges. While Japan’s creative scene has long been flourished in Tokyo, Kyoto witnessed a rapid emergency of independent art venues. Thanks to Kyotographie, many sites across the city have been being transformed into the creative venues alive with workshops, exhibitions and public talks.
Kyoto Makers Garage: makerspace in the midst of Kyoto Wholesale Market has built-in charm that has drawn many visitors. The retro area made an interesting backdrop for a wide array of events like exhibitions and tape-o-graphic workshops.
YGion: with picture-perfect Kamogawa views, this rooftop bar made a great option for those in an artsy set. They also combined spectacular views with a champagne tasting event!
Sazanga-Kyu (Former Ice Factory): When it comes to transforming buildings into exhibition halls, old factories hold tons of potential. Lot of people flocked to the former ice factory in Tambaguchi for the industrial feel with a cool vibe.
Kyoto is an environmentally friendly city
This year saw Kyotographie festival having a substantial expansion, with 15 venues scattered throughout the city. Promoting the sustainable mobility, the main sponsor BMW provided attendees with a chance to move between the various exhibitions on the electric, zero-emissions BMW i3. A BMW i3 foiled by toilet paper image made the rounds in three directions from the Karasuma-Oike hub. In addition, on weekends and holidays it was possible to borrow BMW Cruise Bikes at Former Shinpukan information booth for free one-day rental.
You can always learn something new
Kyotographie gave us chances to gain new knowledge and skills through various creative workshops. From zazen experience to Japanese paper tapestry, attendees could experiment with new techniques and broaden their horizons. While masterclass by Hanne van der Woude encouraged participants to interact directly with the elderly in the nursing home setting, FILM-O-TAPE workshop with K-narf Art allowed them to create their own artwork using tape-o-graphic method.
Utopia Is the New Black
In addition to highlighting the 15 headlining artists, Kyotographie team has organized several satellite events such as KG+2018. An art project that aims to support passionate artists who challenge the boundaries of photography served as a global information hotspot. This year KG+ AWARD 2018 Grand-Prix went to the Kenryou Gu’s ‘Utopia’. A talented artist who finds inspiration in things human and natural, is granted a right to exhibit next year at KYOTOGRAPHIE 2019, along with a money prize.
People Make the Festival
Festivals are about trying new things and getting to know the people around you. The closing party held at Tambaguchi Sazanga-Kyu was a perfect opportunity to meet the most creative minds around the city. We stayed captivated by the music performed by women clad in shiny outfits, shared street food with friends, chatted and laughed, bonded through the power of music and art. Colorful, creative, and downright fun, Kyotographie now holds the title of my favorite photo festival in Japan!
