Experimental Spotlight: Mono No Aware x [+] (Plus)

EXPERIMENTAL SPOTLIGHT

Introduction and reception with filmmakers Steve Cossman, Akiko Maruyama, Tomonari Nishikawa, Joel Schlemowitz, Ted Wiggin

Avant-garde film and video practice emerges from vibrant cultures of experimentation and collaboration. This program represents work produced around and selected by two exemplary organizations: the New York-based Mono No Aware, and Tokyo-based [+] (Plus). Some of the featured films and videos emphasize elements of collaboration and transnational exchange, and influence between artists, spaces and technologies in Japan and the U.S. Juxtaposing works by artists loosely associated with the creative networks of Mono No Aware and [+] produces a visually and aurally stimulating 90+ minutes of unexpected connections and discoveries. Organized by Japan Society, Steve Cossman of Mono No Aware and Takashi Makino of [+].

FILMS:

WORLD PREMIERE Mono No Aware Direct Filmmaking/Animation Workshop Films 2015. Approx. 8 min. 16mm. Various 16mm works from the participants of Mono No Aware’s Direct Filmmaking/Animation Workshop held at Japan Society on June 21. World Premiere.

NEW YORK PREMIERE RELAY Steve Cossman 2014. 11 min. Super 8mm to HDV. A moving-image document of the visual environment created by artist Ei Wada that emphasizes his grassroots approach to instrument making and reflects his concepts about performance as art. New York Premiere.

WORLD PREMIERE Koropokkuru Akiko Maruyama 2015. 5 min. 16mm. A moving portrayal of an ineffable force that can be humanlike or embody itself within displayed objects. Inspired by concepts from the Koropokkuru folktale within Japanese Ainu culture and The Invisible Man.

WORLD PREMIERE Louis Armstrong Obon Joel Schlemowitz 2015. 14 min. Super 8mm and HD to HDV. A portrait of Japanese jazz musicians Yoshio and Keiko Toyama as seen through their annual summer pilgrimage to the grave of Louis Armstrong in Flushing, Queens.

NEW YORK PREMIERE EMBLEM Rei Hayama 2012. 16 min. 16mm to HDCAM. Video footage for the research of Japanese endangered species of raptors is turned into a decorative fiction film through the conversion process between video and film.

WORLD PREMIERE Stella Nova Ted Wiggin 2015. 4 min. 16mm. Red blue green, circle square triangle, dog star man. The life and death of a star.

U.S. Premiere Emaki/Light Takashi Makino & Takashi Ishida 2011. 16 min. 35mm & 16mm to HDCAM. Drawing on film by Takashi Ishida; edit and telecine by Takashi Makino; music by Takashi Ishida & Takashi Makino.

sound of a million insects, light of a thousand stars Tomonari Nishikawa 2014. 2 min. 35mm. 100 ft of 35mm negative film was buried under fallen leaves about 15 miles away from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station from the sunset of June 24, 2014 to sunrise the following day.

North American Premiere DUB HOUSE Experience in Material No.52 Kei Shichiri & Ryoji Suzuki 2012. 16 min. 35mm. Strict but exquisite evocation links two artistic disciplines and two visions of light and darkness. Architecture and film meet in the cinema.

Part of JAPAN CUTS 2015.

Healthy Japanese light meals, snacks and refreshments available over the weekends for purchase by http://www.localhost:10053/resources/legacy/event/uploaded/images/benton.jpg.

Tickets
$13/$10 Japan Society members, seniors & students

SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase at least 5 tickets for 5 different films and receive $2 off each ticket. Order only at Box Office or by phone (212) 715-1258. Offer not available online. Offer not valid for specially priced tickets on schedule.

Box Office Policy

Inset images: © Mono No Aware; Koropokkuru © Akiko Maruyama; Louis Armstrong Obon © Joel Schlemowitz; EMBLEM © Rei Hayama; Stella Nova © Ted Wiggin; Emaki/Light © Takashi Makino & Takashi Ishida; sound of a million insects, light of a thousand stars © Tomonari Nishikawa; DUB HOUSE Experience in Material No.52 © Kei Shichiri & Ryoji Suzuki.