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Shodoshima Island Lab by Graf

 

 

Today’s post is both a retrospective and a preview for a Setouchi Triennale artwork..

I’m going to briefly tell you about Shodoshima Island Lab, a project made by an Osaka-based collective called Graf. I really liked it in 2013, and I’m quite glad it’s returning this year, although it’s a bit disappointing that it’ll only be there in the upcoming Fall session.

Graf is a multifaceted group comprised of artists, graphic designers, interior decorators and more. They’re also behind Shodoshima Gelato Recipes and Kaguya’s Pause that I told you about last March.

So, three years ago, Shodoshima Island Lab, located in a house at the very end of the village of Umaki (after the Regent of Olives if that can help), was some sort of “laboratory” where Shodoshima, both in its natural and cultural aspects, had been dissected, cataloged, analyzed, inventoried, and more…

That allowed us to discover the island in a very unusual aspect and through a new and original angle.

This Fall, Shodoshima Island Lab will reopen its doors very soon in what will be – I assume – something very similar, but also very different. I have no idea why it’s only open for the Fall session of the Triennale, but it is my understanding that the famous Shodoshima matsuris will be a major component of the installation this year. Incidentally, they take place every year mid-October, right in the middle of the Triennale.

 

 

Only 16 days before we find out what the new Shodoshima Island Lab looks like. 🙂

 

 

 

3 thoughts on “Shodoshima Island Lab by Graf”

  1. Really sad they weren’t open in summer. Also sad that I cycled out there and “wasted” 15 minutes figuring the place out only to find out it was open only in autumn. 😀 On the positive side, it was nice to head up there and enjoy the area as I also got to see another soy sauce factory that was probably the smallest one on the island.

    1. It was written on the guide that it’s only open in the Fall this year. 😉
      However, this neighborhood is one of my favorites on the island, so it was good you got to spend time there.

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