This year, the Tsumari Archive Center will present two new works by Kawamata Tadashi , with whom we have had a close relationship since 2009 and who maintains a studio at the same facility.

In “KAWAMATA PROJECT DOCUMENT VIDEO,” documentary videos of Kawamata’s past projects will be projected in the gymnasium, as he has been developing his work in a work-in-progress style. In the “TREE HUT PROJECT,” Kawamata’s project to install hut-like objects in trees, which he has developed around the world, will be developed in Tokamachi, a town rich in nature. Visitors can also browse through materials and art books on regional art held at the Echigo-Tsumari Archive Center.

image: Kawamata Tadashi “Nids & Cabanes” (Île-d’Arz), 2024

Kawamata Tadashi Comment

In this summer 2025, I would like to share some of my project documents from the archives here. Many of the projects are temporary, so I document them with photos and video. The video documentation in particular is from Mr. Zirkdale, whom I have worked with for many years. The process of completing the project and interviews with the people involved provide a clear explanation of the main purpose of the project and the overall image. (artist’s comment)

Tsumari Archive Center

After becoming the site of the Interlocal Art Network Center directed by Kawamata Tadashi in 2009, Shimizu Elementary School, which has maintained a deep connection with the local community, has evolved into an archive/library facility. In addition to exhibiting new works, the building will also serve as a huge library of art-related materials, including materials from the art festival and community-based art projects, as well as a collection of approximately 30,000 books donated by the late art critic Nakahara Yusuke. A site-specific archive is open to the public inside the building. All documents of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale to date, as well as Tadashi Kawamata’s activities from 1980 to 2005, will be preserved.

Kawamata Tadashi

Born 1953 in Hokkaido, Japan. Major exhibitions and projects include “Tadashi Kawamata Tokyo Improgress” (Tokyo, 2010-13), “Corridor of Chairs” (Festival d’automna Paris, Salpêtrière Hospital Saint-Louis Church, France) (1997), “Working Progress” (Alkmaar, Netherlands) (1996-99), and “Destroyed Church” (Documenta, Kassel, Germany) (1987). Working Progress” (Alkmaar, the Netherlands), and “Destroyed Church” (Documenta, Kassel, Germany) in 1987. He is the author of “Artless: Contemporary Art as Minority” (2001, Filmart, Inc.).