（↑ From Finland Center Magazine “Koivu” vol. 7 winter 2008–2009)

In April to May of 2009, three artists from Finland and Japan will come and create art in Kamiyama while staying at Yamani House. This is a part of the “Art in Kamiyama” project. We’re looking forward to meeting them!

The details of their schedule is as follows.

【Three Trees: The Contrast between Protected and Ruined Nature】
Text: Reiko Nireki

Three artists who have spent many years collaborating together, Finnish photographers Ritva Kovalainen, Sanni Seppo, and Japanese artist Reiko Nireki, will be starting a new long-term project in Tokushima in Spring 2009 called “Three Trees: The Contrast between Protected and Ruined Nature.” The three are participating in the Kamiyama Artist in Residence Program in order to explore the animist legends of Tokushima.

【Participating Artists】
Ritva Kovalainen (Artist, Photographer)
Sanni Seppo (Artist, Photographer)
Reiko Nireki (Artist)

【Schedule】
・April – May 2009: Residence in Kamiyama, Tokushima
・April 12 – 26: Exhibition “Tree People” at the Hall of Awa Japanese Handmade Paper
・April 12 (Sun) 14:00 – 15:30 Artist Talk (→details)
・April 12 (Sun) 16:00 – Opening Party (→details)
・May 2 (Sat) 14:00 – Lecture in Kamiyama (→details)

【Artist Talk】
Date: April 12 (Sunday) 14:00 – 15:30
Details: About the “Three People”, “Three Trees” Project
Place: Hall of Awa Japanese Handmade Paper

【Opening Party】
Time: April 12 (Sunday) from 16:00
Place: Hall of Awa Japanese Handmade Paper

【The Contrast between Protected and Ruined Nature Lecture in Kamiyama】
Time: May 2 (Saturday) 14:00 – 16:00
Place: Kamiyama Kaizen Center 3rd Floor Hall
Details: A lecture by Kanichi Nomoto, Scholar on Folk Culture
The role of trees and forests in Japanese life, and discussion with Ritva Kovalainen and Sanni Seppo about the situation in Finland.

　　　　　　　　　　　Three People

An exhibition featuring the results of this project will be held in Japan and Finland after 2010.

“Tree People,” written by Kovalainen and Seppo, and translated by film director Shohei Shibata, will be published in Japanese.