Villa Kujoyama

Creation in 1992 in Kyoto, Villa Kujoyama is one of the leading French international AIR programmes, the only French artists’ residency in Asia. It hosts both established and emerging artists, designers and craftspeople who wish to develop creative projects related to Japan.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Villa Kujoyama has now hosted hundreds of residencies of French artists with the objective of encouraging creativity through the convergence of French and Japanese cultures.

It is part of the cultural cooperation of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, operated by the French Institute of Japan and supported by its main sponsor, the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation.

Thanks to the support of the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, the residency programme was extended in 2014 to Franco-Japanese artists and craftspeople, working in duos.

Ker Mer spoke with Villa Kujoyama’s Director, Charlotte Fouchet-Ishii.

“In this 8th edition at the Maison d’Exceptions, Villa Kujoyama is exhibiting Japanese savoir-faire and is exhibiting 5 research projects developed by 6 French artists and designers during their residency.”

Each of these projects is based on textile design and highlights the dialogue between aesthetics and technique.

Pauline Abascal and Kanako Kajihara worked in tandem; Violaine Blaise, Martine Rey, Sandrine Rozier and Aurore Thibout worked independently. While all five projects were exceptional in their creativity, exploration and execution, Ker Mer was particularly fascinated with Sandrine Rozier's project, 'Couleurs Vivantes' (Living Colours), an in-depth research into Japanese natural vegetal dyes and dyeing techniques, with a particular focus on indigo and Kusagi, which she completed during her three month residency in Villa Kujoyama.

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She presented a conference at the ENSAD in partnership with INHA, we will share its highlights on our site. In the words of Pascal Gautrand, Founder of Made in Town, "Initiatives of all types are underway and are promising a renaissance and a long life to exceptional savoir-faire."

Jean Grogan

Website: www.institutfrancais.jp Contact: charlotte.fouchet-ishii@institutfrancais.jp