An exhibition from the programme of the 35th edition of the Days of Japanese Culture in Bulgaria
03 September 2024 News
On September 2 at 6:00 pm, the exhibition ‘Caught in a Spiral’ by Japanese artist Nobuko Ueda was opened at the Mission Gallery of the State Cultural Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria. This exhibition, which is part of the 35th edition of the Days of Japanese Culture in Bulgaria and is held within the traditional Charter Art Festival Sofia 2024, organized by the Amateras Foundation, continues the long-standing traditions of cultural exchange between Bulgaria and Japan.
The official guests of the event were Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Angelieva, H.E. Mr. Michigami Hisashi, Ambassador of Japan to Bulgaria, Prof. Todor Todorov, President of Amateras Foundation, Daniela Todorova, Chief Organizer of Amateras Foundation, the author Nobuko Ueda and other artists participating in the Days of Japan, as well as many diplomats, artists and guests.
Deputy Minister Maria Angelieva congratulated the guests and the artist, noting: ‘The relationship of traditional friendship and partnership with Japan occupies a priority place in our country's foreign policy. Today's event is dedicated to three significant anniversaries in these relations, which we are celebrating through various initiatives this year — 115 years since the first official contacts, 85 years since the establishment and 65 years since the restoration of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Japan.’
The Director of the State Cultural Institute, Ms. Snezhana Yoveva-Dimitrova, welcomed the many guests gathered in the garden of the Mission Gallery — diplomats, artists, media representatives, critics and lovers of art and Japanese culture. In her speech she emphasized: ‘Art is that unique area of our existence that enables us to get to know the world and other nations.’
The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Michigami Hisashi, added that Bulgaria and Japan have traditionally maintained excellent diplomatic relations, and shared some of the events that are coming up in the program of the 35th Days of Japanese Culture in Bulgaria, while the author Nobuko Ueda expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to present her works to the Bulgarian audience and stressed the importance of the good partnership with the Amateras Foundation.
The exhibition includes sculptures and reliefs that create a unified organism, immersing the viewer in the Japanese aesthetics known for its minimalism and sophistication. Nobuko Ueda draws inspiration from ancient basketry techniques, which she transforms into exquisitely designed sculptures that impress with their virtuosity and finesse. Working with a spiral structure technique, Ueda uses recycled paper strips to express the symbolism of creation through the spiral. In 2020, she was awarded the Innovation Prize in the Amateras Foundation's annual paper art competition.
The event was organized by the Amateras Foundation with the assistance of the Embassy of Japan and the State Cultural Institute, and with the financial support of the Visual Arts Program of the Ministry of Culture, the Creation'23 Program of the NFC, and the 2024 Cultural Events Calendar of the Capital City Municipality.
The exhibition can be visited from Monday to Friday, between 10:00 and 17:00.