{"id":157503,"date":"2023-10-27T17:32:35","date_gmt":"2023-10-27T08:32:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/?p=157503&lang=en"},"modified":"2023-10-27T17:36:12","modified_gmt":"2023-10-27T08:36:12","slug":"public-art-fukuoka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/en\/public-art-fukuoka\/","title":{"rendered":"Artful Living: The Public Art Landscape of Fukuoka"},"content":{"rendered":"

Scattered throughout the streets of Fukuoka are over 200 pieces of public art, crafted by artists both local and international, such as Henry Moore and Keith Haring.<\/p>\n

One iconic piece many may recognize is Yayoi Kusama\u2019s \u201cPumpkin,\u201d which made a sudden appearance in October 1994 in front of a bank in the Tenjin area of Fukuoka’s Chuo Ward. This was Kusama’s first foray into outdoor sculpture, and it served as a launching pad for her colorful three-dimensional works that have since been displayed worldwide. This inaugural outdoor piece has now been added to the Fukuoka Art Museum’s collection and is installed on the outdoor plaza of the museum’s second floor.<\/p>\n

\"Kusama

Photo provided by Museum City Project Office<\/p><\/div>\n

Pumpkin<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Artist: Kusama Yayoi
\n\u2022 Created: 1994
\n\u2022 Photographed: When displayed in front of the Fukuoka Bank headquarters in October 1994.<\/p>\n

But these artworks were not haphazardly placed around the city. They are the fruits of collaborative efforts, reflecting both the leadership of those who love the city and the open-minded character of Fukuoka\u2019s citizens. Various styles and approaches have been utilized to integrate these artworks seamlessly into the urban landscape.<\/p>\n

The concept of “Sculpture in the City” was initiated in 1983 by local government to create an urban space that would be shared and cherished by all citizens. By 1990, the private sector-led art project “Museum City Tenjin” had emerged, a pioneering example among the urban art projects currently seen throughout Japan. Since then, this collaboration between the public and private sectors has led to various citizen participation programs, workshops, and artist-in-residence programs, all of which continue to this day.<\/p>\n

\"Artful<\/p>\n

Daimyo’s Large Komainu<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Artist: Nakamura Hiromine
\n\u2022 Created: 2023
\n\u2022 Location: Daimyo Garden City<\/a><\/p>\n

This is a piece of “communication art” that children can climb on and touch to play. It’s set up in Daimyo Garden City and incorporates the Komainu, a unique Japanese guardian figure, as well as the lion (or “shishi”), which is also the emblem of The Ritz-Carlton. These two figures serve as a pair of guardian deities for the location.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the “Fukuoka Citizen\u2019s Arts Festival” has been offering a platform for citizens to showcase their cultural and artistic activities since its inception in 1964, timed with the opening of the Fukuoka Civic Hall. Now in its 60th year, the festival hosts over 100 diverse events from mid-September to December, providing opportunities for people to engage with culture and art.<\/p>\n

Fukuoka Citizen\u2019s Arts Festival<\/strong>
\n\u2022 9\/16 (Sat.) ~ 12\/31 (Sun.)
\n\u2022 Held at various locations in Fukuoka City
\n\u2022 https:\/\/fcaf.jp\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/fukuokacaf\/<\/a>
\n\u2022 Fukuoka Now Event page: https:\/\/www.fukuoka-now.com\/en\/event\/60th-fukuoka-citizens-arts-festival\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\"60th<\/p>\n

In addition to the bustling areas of Tenjin and Hakata, the Seaside Momochi district, designed in the 1980s as a spacious town, is home to 17 unique pieces of public art. With well-maintained roads, it’s easy for visitors to explore the area by bicycle or on foot, enjoying the architecture and art along the way.<\/p>\n

Poodle<\/strong>
\nArtist: Shin Myeongeon
\nYear: 1996
\nLocation: Fukuoka City Museum North Exit bus stop<\/a><\/p>\n

This piece, which looks like a giant piece of balloon art, evokes a sense of wonder from the contrast with the surrounding buildings.<\/p>\n

\"Artful<\/p>\n

Nostalgia of Circulation<\/strong>
\nArtist: Jae Eun Choi
\nYear: 1996
\nLocation: Fukuoka City Museum North Exit bus stop<\/a><\/p>\n

An object composed of four azure discs that seems to take on different shapes depending on your vantage point.<\/p>\n

\"Artful<\/p>\n

Grand Oiseu Amoureux<\/strong>
\nArtist: Niki De Saint Phalle
\nYear: 1993
\nLocation: Jigyo Chuo Park<\/a><\/p>\n

This colorful work by a French artist combines two symbols, the falcon-like Egyptian deity Horus and Cupid, the Greek god of love.<\/p>\n

\"Artful<\/p>\n

Tree Spirit<\/strong>
\nArtist: Dhruva Mistry
\nYear: 1993
\nLocation: Jigyo Chuo Park<\/a><\/p>\n

This bronze work evokes a traditional beauty peculiar to Indian sculpture with thick yet gentle curves.<\/p>\n

\"Artful<\/p>\n

Pinecone<\/strong>
\nArtist: Etsuro Sotoo
\nYear: 1993
\nLocation: Jigyo Chuo Park<\/a><\/p>\n

A sculpture by Etsuro Sotoo, a Fukuoka-born sculptor who is also the official sculptor of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.<\/p>\n

\"Artful<\/p>\n

Kobayo<\/strong>
\nArtist: Kyubei Kiyomizu
\nYear: 1996
\nLocation: In front of the RKB Hosokaikan<\/a><\/p>\n

This piece, which looks like a torii gate, represents radio and ocean waves supported by overlapping human forms.<\/p>\n

\"Artful<\/p>\n

Water-Land<\/strong>
\nArtist: Kiyoyuki Kikutake
\nYear: 1989
\nLocation: Momochi Central Park<\/a><\/p>\n

This work by Kurume-born Kiyoyuki Kikutake was created for the Yokatopia Expo that coincided with the opening of Seaside Momochi.<\/p>\n

\"Artful<\/p>\n

Of course, the city also offers museums where art can be enjoyed indoors. Whether it’s appreciating the local culture of Hakata or experiencing digital content utilizing the latest technology, there are diverse experiences available for enjoyment.<\/p>\n

Fukuoka Art Museum<\/strong>
\n1-6 Ohori Park, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka<\/a>
\nhttps:\/\/www.fukuoka-art-museum.jp\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Fukuoka City Museum<\/strong>
\n3-1-1 Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka<\/a>
\nhttps:\/\/museum.city.fukuoka.jp\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Fukuoka Asian Art Museum<\/strong>
\n7F & 8F Riverain Center Bldg., 3-1 Shimokawabata-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka<\/a>
\nhttps:\/\/faam.city.fukuoka.lg.jp\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Hakata Machiya Folk Museum<\/strong>
\n6-10 Reisen-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka<\/a>
\nhttps:\/\/www.hakatamachiya.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n

teamLab Forest Fukuoka<\/strong>
\nBOSS E\u30fbZO FUKUOKA 5F, 2-2-6 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka<\/a>
\nhttps:\/\/www.teamlab.art\/jp\/e\/forest\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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