AIR 3331 Research Project – An Alternative Tokyo

Artists:Chintan Upadhyay (India) , Uthit Atimana (Thai) , Nguyen Nhu Huy (Vietnam) , Yeoh Lian Heng (Malaysia)

●Open Discussion
3.3 (Sat) 19:00～21:00
Admission: Free
4 participating artists, from India, Thai, Vietnam, and Malaysia, come together with 3331 staff to talk about the development and the future of this on-going research project in Tokyo.

Asian Artists Discover "An Alternative Tokyo"

In an artist in residence (AIR) program artists stay and make work in a specific location, building an intimate relationship with the people and place and release many of the stories, the history, the culture which is contained within the locality.

In this AIR3331 residence program being held at 3331 Arts Chiyoda acclaimed artists from India, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia take the first steps in a long term research project. In their 1 month stay what will they encounter? Who will they meet? How will they form a relationship with the neighbourhood?

In this exhibition the artists will present interviews, research documentation, plans for project development, while using the gallery as an open studio space in which visitors may engage with the live creation and investigations of the artists, this opportunity of exchange being a vital process for the artists. Let's anticipate "An Alternative Tokyo" to be uncovered by these artists as they interact with the people of Tokyo, its international communities, experts and 3331 visitors, in an eclectic mix of people and places.


http://air.3331.jp/research/en/



●Chintan Upadhyay　
Artist/Art Project Director



Born in 1972, Rajasthan, India. Currently based in Mumbai. Has participated in various residence programs including in UK and USA. His practice focuses upon painting and sculpture, which is highly acclaimed internationally.



Upadhyay engaged children living in a local slum to investigate the local river which has become highly polluted, and they drew pictures based upon their experiences.

●Uthit Atimana
Artist/Deputy Head of Chiang Mai Art University



Born in 1960, lives in Chiang Mai. Adviser to "The Land Foundation", led by Rirkrit Tirivanija and also an art coordinator of the open-air art project,"Social Installation". His projects particularly focus upon linking art with community.



The project "Social Installation" held during the 90's, brought artists and locals together through art, dance and song, bringing a freedom of expression to the streets of Chiang Mai.

●Nguyen Nhu Huy
Artist/Curator/Poet/Art Critic



Born in 1971. Active as organizer of various exhibitions of young artists and national and international art projects in Ho Chi Minh City and beyond. As well as actively promoting Vietnamese contemporary art internationally, he also translated foreign contemporary art texts into Vietnamese.



A 1 month graffiti art project created through the collaboration of artists and residents living in the local area around Nguyen's art space, triggering new relations between art and community.

●Yeoh Lian Heng
Artist/Art Coordinator



Born in 1978. In 2004 founded the art space and collective "Lost Generation" with his artist peers, pursuing eclectic expression in the exploration of art's role in society. Building up highly meaningful relationships with local communities, his projects often directly serve the specific neighbourhoods in which they are based.



A collaborative art project with the residents of an impoverished area of Penang. In addition to this Yeoh also tackles issues faced by immigrants and the art world system, pursuing highly socially engaged themes through a practical approach.