Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I am not so comfortable with English, can I write in Japanese?
A. Yes, I should be able to communicate with you in Japanese with some help. Also, I will try to make the exhibition bilingual. If you speak Japanese, or are located in Tokyo or Japan, send me a message, and maybe you can help organize this exhibition!
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Q. Is there a theme?
A. Yes, although it is very loose and open to interpretation. The theme is in the title: "Moving memories: Letters to Tokyo." Moving memories refers to physically/spatially/culturally, and letters to Tokyo is about intentionally directing communication to others, elsewhere, known or unknown and sharing across and within cultures.
The topic is very open and flexible. Sending a memory to Tokyo. the concept of memories moving. the concept of a memory evoking feelings. The idea of memories or feelings being universally shared, or sharing dissimilar experiences to create international understandings... Lots of opportunities! If you are exploring the theme, post your ideas in the forum!
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Q. Do I have to create art about the theme?
A. No. Yes. Well, if you are mailing artwork to Tokyo, you already are half way there! As long as you send an artwork in the mail to Tokyo, it will likely be included. Of course, if something is lewd, rude, or could otherwise get me kicked out of Japan, it may not be exhibited (I have had to sign several behaviour agreements! True story!)
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Q. Do you have a preference regarding the medium? Photography, illustration, etc?
A. Yes and no, I will leave that to you and whatever you think aught to be seen/shared in Tokyo. Whatever you do, make it marvellous. ;)
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Q. I sent you a message and I haven't heard back...
A. Well this isn't an actual question. And truth be told, no one has asked it yet, or, stated it. Anyway, do not fear! You will hear from me when the time is right. Wait 1-2 weeks and contact me again if you are still waiting!
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Q. Will I get my artwork back? Will you sell my artwork? Can I make money?
A. As this is all in the early stages, my prediction of is: Will I get my artwork back? No. Will you sell my artwork? Maybe. Can I make money? Probably not. There is of course a possibility that if opportunities arise where we have a free venue that commisions can be collected for the artists. The exhibition venue that I have in mind however charges for use of the space. They also do a fabulous job of promoting the exhibition, and are visited by people locally and internationally. It is possible that artworks will be sold to help pay for the cost of the exhibition.
What you will get is the opportunity to be part of an international exhibition, gain some international exposure, hopefully have your work be featured on a website (more exposure), possibly get return mail art or featured in a book (really, no promises here.. and details will be worked out prior to publication), and have a easy exhibition opportunity!
And hey, if you know of a great exhibition space where we can make profit, let me know!
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Q. Is the picture in the header of this webpage crooked?
A. Yes, yes it is. It is also a picture from Osaka. The rest are Tokyo though, promise!