Waseda WeeklyWaseda Weekly

Before Russia invaded Ukraine, I never thought I would have to worry about whether my friends would receive draft notices. Many of my Russian friends who opposed the war left their homes and jobs and lived in poverty abroad, while in Ukraine, men between the ages of 18 and 60 are generally prohibited from leaving the country in preparation for conscription.

I am serving as a curator for The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale(大地の芸術祭　越後妻有アートトリエンナーレ), which will be held in Niigata Prefecture from July 13 to November 10, 2024, and will be in charge of works by Ukrainian artist Nikita Kadan and others. Kadan has received short-term leave permission and is scheduled to arrive in Japan in July, but I have been making preparations in the case that Kadan is conscripted before then.

Kadan's "Hostmeri Sculpture" at the ETAT is a sculpture made from metal roofs of houses destroyed by missiles, which, combined with Tsumari stones, expresses the connection between war zones and peaceful lands. Meanwhile, the work "Things from Another Place" is a children's park that no one can enter, symbolizing lost happiness. Art Front Gallery in Daikanyama will also exhibit Kadan's work on the theme of war and the history of the acceptance of Ukrainian culture in July.

"This war is not the first war in human history. And if we look back at history, it is clear how important a role art has played during wars," says Kadan, as Kadan continues to create. Kadan's work conveys many things, such as the fact that culture continues even during war, and the importance of learning from history so that we do not lose sight of our place in the world. I hope that many people will come and see Kadan's work.

(W.K.)

No. 1162