Monday 13 December 2021

Connecting through Art: "Dandelion Project" in Kyoto

Photo by Naked Inc.
In 2020, Tokyo-based artist Ryotaro Muramatsu launched an international art initiative DANDELION PROJECT that aims to unite people’s prayers for world peace by “planting” interconnected dandelion sculptures in locations around the world. The Dandelion Project is currently visiting 7 iconic locations in Kyoto. The places open to the general public are Kitano Tenmangu, Kosho-ji, Arashiyama, and Heian Jingu.

Participatory art project "DANDELION PROJECT" by Ryotaro Muramatsu / NAKED (hereinafter Muramatsu) will open Kamo Betsurai Shrine (hereinafter Kamigamo Shrine) from October 27, 2021 (Wednesday) this fall. Starting with this, we would like to inform you that we have decided to visit 7 locations in Kyoto (some of which are not open to the public), such as Kiyomizu Temple and Heian Jingu, who agreed with the idea of this work. For the general public, the exhibition and work experience will be held at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine from November 13th to 14th, Kosho-ji Temple from December 3rd to 5th, Arashiyama scheduled for mid-December, and Heian Jingu Shrine scheduled for mid-December. You can participate in.

Now is the time to break down our barriers and connect through art
The "DANDELION PROJECT" is an art project led by artist Ryotaro Muramatsu. By planting (setting up) dandelion artwork around the world, he aims to make the flowers that represent peace bloom worldwide. When people interact with the dandelion installments at locations around the world, their prayers for peace are whisked off on digital dandelion fluff, and digital flowers are delivered to other installment locations across the network in real time. You can join the project anywhere online through the official website, and the fluff from those who participate online will also bloom into flowers at each location.

Dandelion fluff art with a wish for peace travels around Kyoto and goes to the world
Starting with Kamigamo Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto, it will be exhibited in relay format such as Ninnaji Temple and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine until next winter. With the support of the purpose of this work, which spreads the wish for peace all over the world, Kyoto will create art as one, regardless of denomination, religion or place. Also, during the period when DANDELION travels around Kyoto, it will be linked with Tokyo Tower, Saga Castle Park, and Kochi Castle, which are being held at the same time. It is also planned to be held in world cities, and you can deliver digital fluff with your own name with a wish for peace across Japan and even across national borders, and you can make the flowers of peace bloom. Kyoto City and Uji City are supporting us to hold "DANDELION PROJECT" this fall. We will continue to deliver our wishes for peace from Kyoto, which symbolizes the history of Japan, to the world through DANDELION PROJECT.


<Message from Ryotaro Muramatsu>
As our world has continued to change in a number of ways since the beginning of 2020, I wonder about how we will connect with the world and with one another. With modern devices, we live in an age where everyone can communicate with any and everyone. Though we find ourselves constantly making verbal assertions of our own views, I believe there is also a way for people to connect through kind prayers for the peace and wellbeing of each other. DANDELION is an art that connects people around the world through a very simple gesture. I am fond of this piece, as it embodies the simplicity of making a wish on a dandelion - a childhood memory we can all relate to - as well as its scale of immediately producing flowers in multiple locations around the world.

Arashiyama
Flowers need no words. They are completely impartial. Their seeds fly to new places and bloom there.
I hope we can go beyond the constraints of race, nationality, and beliefs to connect with one another through art and help flowers of peace bloom throughout the world.

■ "DANDELION PROJECT" official website: https://breathbless.com
DANDELION PROJECT Kyoto Participation place

* The places where the general public can participate are Kitano Tenmangu, Kosho-ji, Arashiyama, and Heian Jingu.

Please note that other venues will be open to the public only for those involved. In addition, we will inform you of the undecided part of the session as soon as it is decided.

Itinerary planning and other information: We are happy to assist in planning your itinerary in Kyoto, please contact our Sydney office on 02 8206 9312 or email alison@tourismgarden.com.au

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