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VR exhibit in Japan highlights work of artists with disabilities
December 31, 2021
Toppan, a communication company, the Yoi-Otera Research Institute, the Borderless Art Organization and NPO Support Center DREAM are collaborating with Stichting hetWerkvan, an organization supporting artists with intellectual disabilities in the Netherlands, to hold a virtual reality online exhibition set in the Ryuhozan Daitoku-ji Zuiho-in temple located in Kyoto, Japan, according to a company press release.
The Kanosei Art Project Exhibition in Daitoku-ji Zuiho-in 2021 is free and will run through Feb. 20, 2022, presenting the work of artists who have physical, intellectual, or psychological disabilities.
The Japanese word "kanosei" means "potential" or "possibilities." Kanosei Art exhibitions showcasing the work of artists with disabilities have been held in Japan for several years. Through a collaboration with Netherlands-based hetWerkvan, it's the first exhibition featuring artists outside of Japan.
Pieces from the Borderless Art Organization and Support Center DREAM are also featured in a collection of 45 works created by 37 artists with disabilities, based on the theme of "infinite possibilities and potential." The exhibition is being held in a virtual space that reproduces the Daitoku-ji Zuiho-in temple and includes 15 works by seven artists from hetWerkvan.
The artwork is accompanied by video messages in multiple languages given by computer avatars generated from photographs of the artists. The aim of the exhibition is to address a social issue and drive economic activity by enhancing support for the independence of artists with disabilities and expanding the public role of Buddhist temples, according to the release.
