From the Hara Museum, Tokyo
Enchanted Reality, a workshop for children conceived by the artist Jean-Michel Othoniel, is held in The Hall of the Hara Museum each day of his exhibition Jean-Michel Othoniel, My Way.
L’Île dans ma tête, 2010 Watercolor on paper
Jean-Michel Othoniel/Adagp, Paris 2011（Reference image）
The drawing above, done by the artist himself, expresses his image of the workshop, which he refers to as an “imaginary map to the island within his head.” On this map, the artist says, he has drawn things, animals and places that have deep meaning to him.
[Workshop Overview]
In the workshop, twelve of the artist’s artworks can be viewed as 3D images using AR (augmented reality) technology. These works are located throughout the world, including items in the current show. When the visitor holds a pictogram up to the camera, a work by Othoniel is projected as a 3D image on a large screen. In this way, participants can experience many works located in different countries. In another corner of the workshop, children can color in pictures as they learn about the joy of drawing.
AR(Augmented Reality):
AR refers to technology that combines sensory information taken from an actual environment with computer generated information to create a virtual 3D reality that is interactive in real-time.
[Purpose and Background]
Having enjoyed a happy childhood raised by loving parents and exposed to beautiful things at museums, the artist wanted to convey to children the pleasure of giving form to dreams through drawing. The workshop is divided into two sections: an area for coloring in drawings and an AR area. Through these areas, children are able to experience in a virtual manner the process of refining, calculating and creating a structure through trial and error using drawings before finally realizing it as a large-scale sculptural work of art. At previous venues–the Pompidou Center (Paris) and the Plateau (Seoul)–PC monitors were used. This workshop at the Hara Museum (Tokyo) is an upgraded version that uses an improved program and large-screen projection instead, making it a more dynamic experience for the participants.
[Coloring Corner and Contest]
In the Coloring Corner, seven original drawings and color pencils are provided. The artist wants children to “choose any drawing that they like and draw whatever comes to mind, be it a dream, a favorite thing or a cherished memory.” In addition, a drawing contest will be held, with the Artist Prize, Bonpoint Prize and Hara Museum Prize being awarded to selected entries. Something nice will be given to the winners at a later date. Please ask the workshop staff for details.
photo by Asako Suzuki
[About the Book Enchanted Reality]
A book Enchanted Reality will be published to mark the workshop held in Tokyo. The book is a beautiful volume containing drawings and photos of the artist’s works, as well as text describing the artist’s thoughts. It also contains the same pictograms used in the workshop. Going to the Othoniel Studio website, you can hold the pictograms up to the web camera and enjoy 3D images within your own home. The book is available in The Museum Shop.
Workshop Book Enchanted Reality
1,575 yen (tax included)
Title: Jean-Michel Othoniel/Text by: Marie Desplechin/Publisher: Editions courtes et longues/Year of publication: 2011/72 pages/33 x 24 cm/ Japanese text.
[Co-organizer: Bonpoint]
The Enchanted Reality Workshop is co-organized by Bonpoint, the French luxury clothing brand. Known for its delicate, refined and high-quality clothing for children, Bonpoint is constantly searching for beauty in all aspects of life and striving to “bring magic into people’s lives.” Feeling a resonance with Jean-Michel Othoniel’s efforts to create work full of romance and fantasy, Bonpoint has provided its support as one of the sponsors of the exhibition and co-organizer of the workshop.
http://www.bonpoint.com
[Workshop Details]
Enchanted Reality (Le Réel Merveilleux) 3-D Workshop for Children
Venue: The Hall at the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art
4-7-25 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0001
Organized by: Bonpoint Japon K.K., Hara Museum of Contemporary Art
Curated by: La Boite
Participation fee: Free (admission to the Hara Museum is required).
Schedule: Concurrent with the exhibition period (museum opening hours and holidays apply).
———————————–
Hara Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo
Jean-Michel Othoniel, My Way
January 7 (Saturday) – March 11 (Sunday), 2012
Hiroshi Sugimoto: From naked to clothed
March 31 (Saturday) – July 1 (Sunday), 2012