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The shore where we can reach by Xiang Yang on Shodoshima – Setouchi Triennale 2022

One of the artworks I was looking forward to the most this summer was Xiang Yang‘s new The shore where we can reach.

Three years ago, his first iteration (here) of the work was one of the most beautiful and stunning pieces of the Triennale. I also got the chance to meet him and his wife and they truly are beautiful and kind-hearted people. Two of the people I’m really glad I got to meet in recent years.

If you need to refresh your memory, I advise you to (re)read the two following posts before continuing further:

Xiang Yang on Shodoshima

Setouchi Triennale 2019 – Part Nine – The Shore Where We Can Reach – Shodoshima

Back then, Xiang Yang told me of his next project that he hoped he could create for this year. And he could. The idea was to take some of the elements from his previous works and assemble them, along with some new elements into an even bigger structure that would also be an actual boat.

And this is what he did. In the following pictures, you will recognize Seven Layers of Seven, the tower from three years ago (along with some Traveling Stools). The rest is new. Well, most of it is not exactly new, as just like three years ago, the idea is to use very old (but splendid) discarded furniture and give them a second life as art and as a boat.

I’m not going to tell you much more right now, but I’m going to show you much more.

Just like three years ago, The shore where we can reach is located in Kusakabe Port on Shodoshima (unfortunately, the ferry to Kusakabe has stopped running recently, so you need to get to Shodoshima from another port first)

I went there on August 6th for its inauguration and it started with a local taiko band performing for us:

 

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How about we watch another video where I discover the installation and film at the same time? As you can see, it was pretty crowded. I mean, it was the opening after all.

 

And now, the usual pictures, in no particular order. I’m not too happy with them. As I mentioned, it was crowded and I was trying to avoid having too many people in my shots. Also, it was very hot, it didn’t help – although, all the openings inside the structure create natural ventilation and it was easily 10°C cooler inside it. I was hoping to return on a weekday before the end of the Setouchi Triennale‘s summer session, but as the heat remained until the end, that didn’t happen. I must go again in the Fall!

 

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And in case you’re wondering, yes, it can sail! (with the help of a tugboat)

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Unfortunately not with visitors onboard for safety reasons.

(these two photos were provided by Ye Zi, thank you very much 🙂 )

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By the way, in case you’re wondering how it got built. Xiang Yang built it in his studio in Shanghai. It was then disassembled, shipped to Japan (it took three containers if I remember correctly), and then reassembled on-site. All pretty much by hand except for the heaviest parts.

 

The shore where we can reach is in Kusakabe Port on Shodoshima until the end of the Setouchi Triennale 2022.

It’s open every day from 10 am to 4:30 pm during the Triennale. You can see it from the port 24/7. It is not a permanent artwork (unfortunately).

Xiang Yang‘s Website

 

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Setouchi Explorer Logo 150

 

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