Greeting from the Executive Committee

Amabiki 2022 was held over the course of two months from Monday,
10th October to Sunday, 11th December, 2022. Sculptures by 33
participating artists were exhibited within the landscapes of the city
of Sakuragawa (formerly the village of Yamato) in Ibaraki Prefecture.
The last exhibition was held in the spring of 2019, roughly three and a
half years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic that began in the winter of
early 2020 in Japan as well as elsewhere resulted in restrictions on travel
between prefectures as well as on in-person gatherings and meetings.
As the Executive Committee of Amabiki Village and Sculpture meets
once a month to produce the exhibition, the committee members
struggled to determine how to hold discussions and prepare for the
exhibition. However, young artists on the steering committee suggested
web-based meetings, and discussions for the exhibition began with a
mixed format of online and in-person meetings.
On several occasions, artists from outside the prefecture were unable
to use the Yamato Central Community Center in Sakuragawa,
where meetings were held. As time passed, the question of whether
the exhibition could take place under such circumstances remained
uncertain. However, the decision was made to proceed with meetings
while keeping an eye on the situation. After several preparatory
meetings, the exhibition was set for 2022.
Looking back, this marks the 12th time the exhibition has been held
since the first one in 1996. The exhibition has continued for 27 years,
during which the relationship between the city of Sakuragawa and the
exhibition has gradually changed. The most significant changes are
that the exhibition has been jointly hosted with the city since 2015,
and that residents have taken a greater interest in the exhibition. Local
residents have been seen viewing the works repeatedly while on walks.
And an elementary school boy and his grandmother toured the works by
bicycle, checking the route map as they went. These are surely the sorts
of scenes we had hoped for. I feel that art is gradually becoming a part
of our everyday lives, and I have realized the importance of continuing
the exhibition. The fact that the exhibition has grown as it has is thanks
to the understanding and cooperation of the residents as well as support
from the city.
As artists, we are passionate about sculpture, so through the exhibition of
Amabiki Village and Sculpture, we hope to continue creating wonderful
exhibitions that will contribute to the culture of Sakuragawa.
Last but not least, I would like to offer my thanks for the cooperation
from the landowners, volunteers, community residents, and the ward
heads of the Motogi1, Nishikata, Ozone, Higashi-iida, and Abeta
districts where the exhibition was held.

The AMABIKI exhibition Executive Committee
Executive Committee Chairman
OTSUKI Takayuki