Nurturing the arts

The FOIL gallery draws much attention in the Kyoto art scene. Its representatives are involved in gallery management and art publishing while also producing exhibitions for artists. In the following interview, FOIL’s director Mr. Takei talks about its activities:

1. Moving from Tokyo to Kyoto
Many investors in Japanese art are not from Japan. In that case, why do we have to stay in Tokyo? Kyoto has a special spirit and ambiance, with few tall buildings and a feeling of serenity. There are many galleries that make use of Kyoto machiya (townhouses), although these buildings tend to place physical limitations on exhibitions. So, I look for Kyoto venues with high ceilings that allow showings of large artworks.

2. Exhibitions in Kennin-ji (temple)
As a curator, I’ve been in charge of exhibitions at Kennin-ji for the past three or four years during Golden Week (Japan’s holiday season in early May). Thus far, I’ve produced exhibitions for Yoshitomo Nara, Rinko Kawauchi, and Syoin Kajii (whose works were just on display at the FOIL gallery during this interview). Since temple facilities must be carefully protected to avoid damage, we have to use our ingenuity when exhibiting artworks, which becomes an enjoyable challenge.

3. About Syoin Kajii
Mr. Kajii applied for the FOIL award in 2004, and I chose him. Our collaboration has continued since then. I was intrigued that he takes photos while serving in his vocation as a priest at Sado Island. Now I am his business manager, too, and have helped him publish four photography books already.

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Café from another world
純喫茶
Kitchen of Kyoto
錦市場
Maiko documentary
舞妓
Machiya bars
京町家の夜
Soba (Japanese traditional noodles)
日本蕎麦
Japanese hospitality
おもてなし
Ultramodern vending machine
次世代型自販機
Electrical goods store
家電量販店
Edo kiriko
江戸切子
Tokyo Station
東京駅
Edomae Zushi
江戸前寿司
Harajuku girl
原宿ガール
Mangroves
マングローブ
Okinawa soba
沖縄そば
International Avenue
国際通り
Resort beaches
リゾートビーチ
Japan
Saint Seiya
Taiwan
Mobile Suit Gundam
Italy
One Piece
Indonesia
Kamen Rider The Next
Toybox kawaii shop shows people power.
I want to become Hello Kitty, the icon of Japan.
Natural kawaii with new balance for future fashion.
“Twintail” — simple dream-come-true magic for change.
VACUUM TUBE HEADPHONES
a key item to bridge dreams and reality
GAME BAR
a gathering spot for grownups where old games are available
OSAMU TEZUKA
creator of Japan’s manga and anime cultures
ANIME PILGRIMAGE
a quest to visit locations relating to stories and characters
Wrapping
ラッピング
Nishikigoi
錦鯉
SIRI SIRI
SIRISIRI
Cosmetics
化粧品
ODEN
おでん
KAISEKI
懐石
SOBA
蕎麦
WHISKY
ウイスキー
TABAIMO
TAKU OBATA
KOHEI NAWA
HISASHI TENMYOUYA
NACHI-NO-OGI MATSURI
AWA ODORI
MENBURYU
SANJA MATSURI
KENDO
剣道
SADO
茶道
NIHONBUYO
日本舞踊
KYUDO
弓道
SUMI-SHOKUNIN
墨職人
KACCHU-SHI
甲冑師
FOOD MODEL CRAFTSMAN
食品サンプル職人
EDOKIRIKO
江戸切子職人
FAMILY COMPUTER / NES
Family Computer / NES
PLAY STATION
PlayStation
e-Sports
e-Sports
GAME CREATOR
GAME CREATOR