Professor Lesley Millar of the U.C.A. curated an exhibition at Birmingham Museum called Lost In Lace comprising 20 artists from various countries.
Two years ago I received an email from Lesley with an invitation to submit a proposal and an image of the museum's floorplan. We then met a year later when I was showing my work in a group exhibition at Okayama Prefectural Gallery. She curated a complementary show alongside this exhibition. When she visited she confirmed that she would like me to participate in the upcoming Birmingham project. I showed her a sample of my work in progress comprised of a lacquered jacquard punchcard and knitted lacquer thread.
It's important for me to exhibit abroad. Firstly I have to consider making work that can be packed compactly.
When I send my work it's crucial to package and label it correctly in order to be as cost-effective as possible. There was an unfortunate incident 10 years ago when I sent a work to Perth for exhibition. The Australian customs department asked the curator there to pay an exhorbitant amount of tax. It was necessary for the curator to go down to the customs office to negotiate and explain that the work was for exhibition, not a sold piece.
When I'm unable to go to the site to install the work myself, I also have to think about the construction of the artwork more thoroughly in the planning stages.
On 26th October I visited the Birmingham Museum, two days before the "Private Viewing" to open the exhibition.
Young people often wonder how to get the opportunity to participate in large international exhibitions.
Over many years of constant exhibitions in Japan and exchanges with foreign people, opportunities have gradually increased as I build my career. Additionally, its important to work with reputable galleries that have a range of clientele who will view one's work.
Having an English website is also crucial for international PR and global communication.
Although I've constantly exhibited, taught, and held workshops, I feel that I've sometimes missed opportunities because my limited English language skills have prevented me from engaging in conversation properly. Nonetheless, artwork speaks for itself,so as long as one keeps creating and showing good work, the opportunities will follow.
