Philipp Artus on Megijima

And we’re starting our series of interviews of some of the artists who will take part in the Setouchi Triennale 2013 with Philipp Artus who will be exhibiting on Megijima.

And first of all, I’ll like to thank Mr. Artus for responding so quickly to my request.

Here are my questions and his answers:

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m an artist from Germany working in the field of animation and media art. I first studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Nantes (France) and recently finished my post graduate studies at the Academy of Media Arts in Cologne (Germany). I create short films as well as site-specific installations and the project that I exhibit at the Setouchi Triennale will be a combination of the two.

2. How did you hear about the Setouchi Triennale? Did you attend the first one in 2010?

I didn’t attend the first Triennale. I heard about the Festival through an open call for projects that I found in the internet and for which I applied.

3. What made you want to take part in the 2013 edition?

I like the idea that inspires the festival, that is, to create a link between art, nature and culture. There is a unique sense of beauty in the visual presentation of the festival and its former art works which communicate grace, simplicity and tranquility. I also love Japan and I find that taking part in the festival is a great way to get to know the country and its culture a bit more.

4. Did you get to choose the location where your artwork will be shown? If yes, what guided your choice?

My proposal was not for a specific location and the cave of Megijima was chosen by the Festival. However, when I recently visited the place I felt that it was a perfect setting for my work. The atmosphere of the small island is very poetic and the cave is a dark and powerful space. Interestingly, there is also a playful element with the ogre-figures and Peach Boy in the cave. These contrasting elements create a unique atmosphere which fits very well to my project “Snail Trail“.

Philipp Artus Snail Trail Kassel Dokfest

5. What can you tell us about your upcoming work for the Triennale?

The work is entitled “Snail Trail” and it is a laser animation about a snail which invents the wheel – a reflection about acceleration, evolution and cycles . The project was already exhibited at various international art festivals; the setting of the cave is, however, exceptional and will add up a unique feeling to the installation. You can get an impression of the project in this video documentation:

[iframe src=”https://player.vimeo.com/video/27659555?color=ffffff” width=”500″ height=”281″ frameborder=”0″ webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen]

snail trail – laser sculpture from Philipp Artus on Vimeo.