Polyphonic Torches

BnA Alter Museum is proud to present the “Polyphonic Torches” exhibit, consisting of Kirara Aoki (Sawako Tanizawa and Kaori Fujino), Hiroki Kagawa, Masako Shogaki, Takako Higashihata, Aki Yahata in our vertical art gallery - SCG

Polyphony is a musical term where two or more melodies, but relatively independent melodic lines are used to make a single, musical texture. It also refers to how by pronouncing Polyphonic Torches, it gains meaning, the transformation of the meanings, the countless gaps, and fluidity.
As such, a “Polyphonic Torch” is what Polyphony points to, a place of illumination, governed (including democracy) by polyphony, and also points to torches coming into existence or those heading towards mourning.
It is also a torch and governance for the diasporic character of this condition, a practice and production (speech and dialogue) for the seemingly impossible governance of today's torchless and hopeless situation.

In this exhibition, “Torch of Polyphony,” five artists and their installations are featured. Masako Shogaki gives a vicarious experience to the sensation of reproducing and creating from scratch both religious art and cultural properties in a domestic and international cultural network. Hiroki Kagawa systematically makes asymmetrical parts hidden in the monumental symmetrical whole of mass-produced objects visible. Kirara Aoki uses paper cutting and words to engage in a dialogue with anonymous manifestations of subjects oppressed in the present. Kirara Aoki encourages the transformation of time and memory of the here and now through the gaze and the medium of objects. Takako Higashihata uses objects that lie between what one can see and what’s beyond that as a medium to encourage a shift in the past and present. Aki Yahata attempts to return the right to exist back to oneself by using geographical, social, and physical and mental boundaries.

Each artist will also talk about their works in this audio guide. The original soundtrack for this exhibit is in a reimagined style of ambient dub, which uses echoes and reverberations, and was made by music producer and filmmaker seaketa. A polyphonic effect is created by having the bustle of the outside world, the words of the artists, and the music itself echo off one another.
As you proceed through the exhibition, please take your time and take in the views along this unique vertical art gallery.

BnA Alter Museum Kazutaka Tsutsui