“What might shift in our understanding of and relationship with geology and geological time, if we imagine ourselves as part of the rock cycle? As part of a deep time calcium carbonate family tree from coral, limestone and marble to our teeth and bones?” − Ilana Halperin
The Rock Cycle (Yamaguchi) is a cross-disciplinary exhibition connecting Yamaguchi, in Japan, and Orkney, in Scotland.
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As part of this year’s Orkney International Science Festival, there will be an afternoon of activities focusing on the exhibition The Rock Cycle (Yamaguchi) at The Pier Arts Centre on Saturday 3 September, 2.00-4.30pm.
Ilana Halperin: The Rock Cycle (Yamaguchi) is a cross-disciplinary project connecting Yamaguchi, in Japan, and Orkney, curated by Naoko Mabon. The exhibition features new works from Halperin, developed both in Japan and Scotland, alongside thematically resonant works by Yamaguchi-based artists Yoshihisa Nakano and Keijiro Suzuki.
The event involves talks from Halperin and geologist Dr John Flett Brown, as well as exhibition tour with artists and “wind” themed field workshop by Suzuki. The admission for the event is £10 and spaces are limited, so booking is essential through the Orkney International Science Festival website: https://oisf.org/fest-event/the-rock-cycle-yamaguchi/
Naoko Mabon will be acting as an interpreter in the upcoming Stitching Wonder workshop on Saturday 30th July 2022, 6-8pm (AEST, GMT +10), which is part of the Storytelling Cushions project of artist Tomoko Kōnoike. Storytelling Cushions has been evolved from Storytelling Table Runner, a long-running project that Kōnoike has been conducting since 2014. This hybrid in-person/online workshop is jointly organised and hosted by the Festival Of The Fantastic In Australian And Japanese Arts, and The Japan Foundation, Sydney‘s exhibition Storymakers in Contemporary Japanese Art (curated by Emily Wakeling and Mayako Murai).
For more information about the workshop and book a free ticket, please click here.
Naoko Mabon is facilitating a Climate Fresk workshop on Iona. At the Iona Village Hall on Thursday 16 June 2022, 2pm. It is a free, 2-hour workshop, best suited for people over 14 years of age. Place is limited (up to 8 people) – please book here.
Organisational support generously given by Heinz Toller and Iona Village Hall Community Trust. Supported and delivered by SCAN and Engage Scotland.
Climate Fresk is a participatory and creative workshop of collective intelligence that aims to engage people on climate change. Based on a 42-card game developed from the IPCC reports, this workshop explains the complex links between causes and consequences of climate change, and empowers actions. For more on the Climate Fresk, please click here.
Naoko Mabon is running a Climate Fresk workshop with the youth club programme at Timespan in Helmsdale. On Thursday 21 April, a day before Earth Day 2022. This activity is supported by the Mandate Climate Action Fund of SCAN and Engage Scotland.
Climate Fresk is a participatory and creative workshop of collective intelligence that aims to engage people on climate change. Based on a 42-card game developed from the IPCC reports, this workshop explains the complex links between causes and consequences of climate change, and empowers actions. For more on the Climate Fresk, please click here.
On 5 February 2022, Naoko Mabon run a kite-making workshop on the Isle of Mull. Organised by Emily Wilkins of the Mull and Iona Ranger Service, and hosted by Miek Zwamborn & Rutger Emmelkampy of Knockvologan Studies.
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Naoko Mabon among other creative practitioners has been awarded the Mandate Climate Action Fund, delivered in partnership between SCAN & Engage Scotland and supported by Creative Scotland. The fund is designed to help SCAN and Engage members undertake training with a climate or sustainability focus, develop creative activity with a sustainability focus or acquire materials that support climate adaptation in their creative practice.
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Naoko Mabon has been invited to be a part of Magical Octopus Sequel. It’s a group show inspired by a the Magical Octopus book about the Knockvologan shoreline which was awarded Best Dutch Book Design 2020.
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Naoko Mabon has been invited to be one of the panels in the reflection event “TOTEM LATAMAT and COP26”, exploring the meaning of the totem’s journey to COP26, and its presence at The Hidden Gardens in Glasgow.
TOTEM LATAMAT by Totonac artist Jun Tiburcio, has travelled over 9000km from Mexico to the UK to finally get to Glasgow, for the duration of COP26 and will be in The Hidden Gardens between 28 October – 14 November.
A panel from Indigenous and non-Indigenous backgrounds, who have different but complementary perspectives on Climate Change, will explore the meaning of the totem’s journey to COP26, and its presence at The Hidden Gardens. This will be an engaging and lively conversation, that will enable reflections post COP26.
To book your free ticket, please visit the Eventbrite page.
Join Torry Ecomuseum Project‘s celebratory open day involving an exhibition and a coastal walk to mark the completion of the 2021 edition of the project.
Everyone is welcome to attend this free event, but the place is limited so booking is essential through Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/torry-ecomuseum-project-celebratory-open-day-exhibition-and-coastal-walk-tickets-191445848687
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As part of “What the COP?” initiative, Oban Youth Cafe hosts 4 free film screenings & discussions with support from Oban Phoenix Cinema and Oban-based curator Naoko Mabon.
27-30 October, 6.30pm, Oban Phoenix Cinema Screen2
https://www.obanphoenix.com/what-the-cop
Join us for a talk and discussion to celebrate the launch of the new publication “Ilana Halperin: The Rock Cycle (Yamaguchi)”. 10.30am (BST) Saturday 1st May 2021 via Zoom (English language). Hosted by The Pier Arts Centre in Stromness on Orkney. Free, book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ilana-halperin-the-rock-cycle-yamaguchi-book-launch-event-tickets-149852423633
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© Deborah Gray Textiles
Naoko Mabon together with Oban-based textile artist Deborah Gray have been invited by The Rockfield Centre to collaboratively develop and lead the Eco Creative Cluster project.
Naoko Mabon is invited to give a talk in Atlas Arts‘s new lunchtime talk series, on Tuesday 2nd of February 1 pm. Naoko will talk about her practice with her current and new colleagues.
Ilana Halperin: The Rock Cycle (Yamaguchi)
A cross-disciplinary project between Yamaguchi and Scotland
自然科学×現代美術 リサーチとアウトリーチによる
「イラナ・ハルペリン：ロックサイクル（ヤマグチ）− 山口とスコットランドをつなぐ領域横断プロジェクト」
(Beautiful flyer designed by Graphical House – thank you!)
Satoshi Hashimoto ‘Watching Movies with Ropes’ 2018, ropes, video monitor, audience. Hans & Fritz Contemporary, Barcelona.
Curator Naoko Mabon will be hosting Free Association’s November session. Naoko has invited Tokyo based artist, activist, curator and researcher Satoshi Hashimoto to hold an audience-participatory performative workshop within the cinema at CCA.
An afternoon event of stories and Japanese tea. Two Japan-born creative practitioners – Aberdeen-based curator Naoko Mabon and Tokyo-based writer Sayuri Kida, who is currently residing in Edinburgh – will host and share stories that draw on their experience and reflect the essence and focus of the exhibition ‘Treasure’ by Stacey Hunter at The Suttie Arts Space of Grampian Hospitals Art Trust. Specifically, they will speak about the hospitable, generous, sharing, and caring gesture and form in Japanese culture. The stories will be followed by sharing Japanese tea and sweets with the audience.
All the elements within this event will be a reflection of the idea of ‘Ichi-go Ichi-e’. This is a concept developed through Japanese tea ceremony practice, describing the idea that ”the moment we share with particular people at a particular place is unique, and never comes back again”.
SONIC // ART // BOTANICAL GARDEN
Artist talk by I Chen Lai & audio performance by Silent Chaos
Coordinated by WAGON
Date: Saturday 1st June 2019
Time: 3.30-5.00pm
Venue: Education Room (next to the Japanese Garden), David Welch Winter Gardens, Duthie Park (AB11 7TH)
Inviting different artistic practices and approaches, this event aims to revisit the concept and space of botanical garden. We also hope to develop the experimental capacity of the creative scene in Aberdeen.
Free, anyone welcome. Refreshments provided (**this is a free event but since all involved are independent practitioners, donations are welcome and greatly appreciated. You can make a donation here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sonic-art-botanical-garden-by-i-chen-lai-silent-chaos-tickets-61430142209)
Contemporary art exhibition for 110 Years of Japanese Immigration in Brazil
Kyojitsu-Hiniku: Between the Skin and the Flesh of Japan
7 – 23 September 2018
Pavilhão Japonês, Parque Ibirapuera, São Paulo, Brazil
Juliana Kase | Takanori Suga | Detanico Lain | Satoshi Hashimoto | Hikaru Fujii
COOPERATION:
– Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Services (BUNKYO)
SUPPORT:
– 110 Years of Japanese Immigration in Brazil;
– Consulate General of Japan in Sao Paulo;
– The Japan Foundation, São Paulo.
RELATED PUBLIC EVENTS:
– 9 September (Sun) 3pm: Event by Satoshi Hashimoto
– 15 September (Sat) 2pm: Dance Performance by Danilo Silveira
– 15 September (Sat) 3-5pm: Artist Talk by Juliana Kase
– 22 September (Sat) 2pm: Dance + Sound Performance by Beatriz Sano and They-Group
– 22 September (Sat) 3-5pm: Artist Talk by Takanori Suga
– 23 September (Sun) 4pm: Sound-visual performance by Rodrigo Amor Experimental and Evandro Nicolau
Installation shots:
Installation view of the exhibition ‘Kyojitsu-Hiniku: Between the Skin and the Flesh of Japan’ at Pavilhão Japonês, Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo. Installation shot: Fernando Lima.
WAGON is thrilled to announce its new project Kyojitsu-Hiniku: Between the Skin and the Flesh of Japan, a contemporary art exhibition dedicated to 110 Years of Japanese Immigration in Brazil. The exhibition features works by Juliana Kase, Takanori Suga, Detanico Lain, Satoshi Hashimoto and Hikaru Fujii at the Pavilhão Japonês in the Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo, Brazil.
In Praise of Shadows: Atsuo Hukuda & Alan Johnston two-person show
12 May – 3 Jun 2018
Suisei-Art (11-8-1 Sanjyamachi, Kanazawa-City, Ishikawa 920-0861 Japan)
Supported by Shibuya Foundation for Science, Culture and Sports; Hope Scott Trust; The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation; and THE ASAHI SHIMBUN FOUNDATION.
Photography: Hiraku Ikeda
Aberdeen-based Japanese independent curator Naoko Mabon will share findings and experience from her recent trip to Japan. This includes a new development of artist exchange projects in Aberdeen between Yubari-city and Nagasaki-city in Japan. This event is primarily for Peacock Visual Arts’ Associate members but the door is open for anyone who is interested in the topic.
19 June 2018, 4.30–5.30pm
W OR M (11 Castle Street, Aberdeen AB11 5BQ)
Facebook event page
NY-born Glasgow-based artist Ilana Halperin has conducted a two week field research residency as part of the 2018 Residence Fellowship Program of Akiyoshidai International Art Village from 16 May – 29 May 2018.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of YICA (Yamaguchi Institute of Contemporary Arts), Alan Johnston gave a lecture on his artistic journey from a viewpoint of his 30 year relationship with Yamaguchi. It was held on 19th May 2018 at Saiko-tei, a cultural museum with a beautiful garden which used be a high-end Japanese restaurant. Naoko Mabon was involved as an interpreter.
All image courtesy: YICA (Yamaguchi Institute of Contemporary Arts)
Shot from ‘Desenhos da paisagem, da cidade e do museu’ course by Evandro Nicolau, MAC USP (Museu de Arte Contemporânea da Universidade de São Paulo)
Conversation and outdoor workshop by Evandro Nicolau (Artist / Researcher and teacher at MAC USP – Museum of Contemporary Art of University of São Paulo)
Date/time: 5th May 2018, 2-5pm
Venue: The W OR M of Peacock Visual Arts (11 Castle Street, Aberdeen AB11 5BQ Scotland)
Free but booking required: landscape-drawings.eventbrite.co.uk
Please join us for an afternoon of conversation and an outdoor workshop led by Evandro Nicolau, Brazilian artist/researcher/teacher who is visiting Scotland to conduct a two week research residency at Art, Space + Nature (ASN), Edinburgh College of Art, The University of Edinburgh.
Jack Davidson: Show and Tell
6 February – 17 February 2018
The W OR M, 11 Castle Street, Aberdeen AB11 5BQ Scotland
Supported by Aberdeen City Council and Robert Gordon University.
Presented by Peacock Visual Arts as part of W OR M / OPEN programme.
RELATED EVENT
Jack Davidson in conversation with Keith Grant and Naoko Mabon
Saturday 17 February 2018, 3-4pm
Guests @ Gray’s lecture by Jack Davidson
Friday 16 February 2018, 1-2pm
Lecture Theatre SB42, Gray’s School of Art, Robert Gordon University
[Image] Jack Davidson | down the road to ecstasy | 2016 | oil on canvas | 65 x 54 cm | Courtesy of the artist and Tat Art Barcelona
WAGON is delighted to announce Jack Davidson: Show and Tell, a showcase of work by Jack Davidson (b.1958, Aberdeen).
Curated by Naoko Mabon. Presented by Peacock Visual Arts as part of W OR M / OPEN programme.
Supported by Aberdeen City Council and Robert Gordon University.
Naoko Mabon has been selected, alongside other seven Scottish-based curators, for the Curators’ Visit to Japan. Led by British Council Scotland and Creative Scotland, this scoping trip has an aim to develop long-term and even more vibrant partnerships between Scotland and Japan into the future.
◆ Follow Mabon’s daily photo report here: scottish-curators-to-japan.tumblr.com
この度、未来に向け末長く、より活発なパートナシップを構築するため ブリティッシュ・カウンシル・スコットランド と、スコットランド政府の文化芸術機関である クリエイティブ・スコットランド が主催する、日本へのキュレーターズビジットにメイボン尚子が選抜されました。メイボンを含むスコットランドで活動する８名のキュレーターが、2017年10月、横浜・東京を中心に日本のアートシーンを訪ねます。
◆ こちらでメイボンによる毎日更新予定の フォトレポート（バイリンガル） をご覧いただけます。
Courtesy of the artist, Patricia Fleming Projects and WAGON. Photography: Sachiyo Ando.
Scottish exhibition and event for ‘Ilana Halperin: Geologic Intimacy (Yu no Hana)’ will be held at Peacock Visual Arts in Aberdeen.
Leaves Without Routes: 根も葉も無い
Artists: Yasunori Kawamatsu | Yuki Okumura | Nobuyuki Yamamoto | Kaori Yamashita
Date: 3 December 2016 – 15 January 2017
Venue: Nan-Men Ting 323 (南門町三二三) in Taipei Botanical Garden (No.53, Nan-Hai Road, Taipei 10066 Taiwan)
OPENING EVENT
Speaker: Prof Kenji Horigome (architectural historian), participating artists and curator
Date: Saturday 3 December 2016, 2:00-4:30pm
To view more on the project, please click here.
WAGON is delighted to announce Leaves Without Routes: 根も葉も無い, an art exhibition featuring work by four Japanese contemporary artists – Yasunori Kawamatsu, Yuki Okumura, Nobuyuki Yamamoto and Kaori Yamashita – at Nan-Men Ting 323 (南門町三二三), a Japanese style house originally built in 1930s during the Japanese colonial period within Taipei Botanical Garden in Taiwan.
Ilana Halperin: Geologic Intimacy (Yu no Hana)
JAPANESE EXHIBITION
Saturday 24 September – Sunday 9 October 2016
Fujiya Gallery Hanayamomo (1 Kannawa-kami, Beppu, Oita 874-0046)
OPENING EVENT
Artist talk followed by contributions from Yasuka Tachibana (BEPPU PROJECT) and Misuzu Goto (Irifune-so Ryokan)
Saturday 24 September 2016, 1pm-3pm
IMAGE CREDIT: Sachiyo Ando
To view more on the project, please click here.
The resulting exhibition of Ilana Halperin: Geologic Intimacy (Yu no Hana), which launched last Autumn, will be held in Kannawa, Beppu. Meet the artist Ilana Halperin and newly formed her geothermal sculptures.
昨年9月にスタートした「イラナ・ハルペリン：地質学的むつまじさ（湯の花）」。１年の時間をかけ生成された新しい地熱彫刻を美しい明治建築で知られる別府・鉄輪の冨士屋Gallery一也百さまにて開催します。
Naoko Mabon is invited to SSW Public Talk, a series of open talks to accompany SSW’s Summer AiR programme. In this Naoko will share her curatorial practice with the wider community.
EVENT DETAILS
SSW Public Talk: Naoko Mabon
Independent Curatorial Practice from North East Scotland: The Case of Naoko Mabon
Friday 24th June 2016, 7-8pm
Scottish Sculpture Workshop (1 Main Street, Lumsden, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 4JN)
Free, all welcome
For more details on the exhibition please click here.
Naoko Mabon is invited to talk in Artists’ Talk as part of the exhibition あ い ま い な : am big you us held in Dundee.
This multi-layered, cross-cultural exhibition will combines solo displays by three Japanese artists – 1984/48 by Yasunori Kawamatsu, tempera | ambiguous | painting by Nobuyuki Yamamoto, and a showcase by a Jewellery Designer/Maker Sayoko Kobayashi.
Curated by Lada Wilson
EVENT DETAILS
Artists’ Talk as part of あ い ま い な : am big you us
Sunday 12 June 2016, 3pm-
Meadow Mill Projects (4th floor, Meadow Mill, West Henderson’s Wynd, Dundee DD1 5BY)
Free, all welcome
For more details on the exhibition please click here.
‘Blood Pond Hell’ hot-spring in Beppu, Photography: Ilana Halperin
We are delighted to announce that, together with one of the most acclaimed Scotland-based contemporary artists Ilana Halperin, we have officially launched Geologic Intimacy (Yu no Hana), a new art-science project between Japanese island Kyushu and Scotland.
Cultural Interchange Beyond Languages and Locations
Saturday 12 September 2-4pm at Seventeen
Speakers:
Martyna Benedyka (Artist) | Dr Leslie Mabon (Environmental Sociology, Robert Gordon University) | Chris Yuill (Sociologist, Robert Gordon University) | Caroline Gausden (Gray’s School of Art, SCAN) | Naoko Mabon (Independent Curator, WAGON)
To view a year-long silent conversation online, please click here.
To view images from A to/from B showcase, please click here.
To view more on the project, please click here.
Courtesy SCAN and WAGON
Photography: Kirsty Russell
In partnership with Seventeen and Robert Gordon University, SCAN (Scottish Contemporary Arts Network) and WAGON are delighted to invite you to an afternoon of open discussion.
Nice Dream is an open discussion organised by Grampian Hospital Art Trust (GHAT) and WAGON featuring three speakers who are working within specific contexts to integrate arts into the day-to-day experience of people.
WAGON 