Toowoomba and Japanese artists to go head to head

Three artists from Japan and three artists from Toowoomba will go head to head as part of a unique exhibition organised by USQ third year visual arts student Aya Hamashima.

The 3 on 3 exhibition will be held over six weeks beginning on Monday 24 September 2007 at a number of locations around Toowoomba, with work from both local and Japanese artists to be put on display.

'This exhibition will be the first attempt for a series of art exchange experience projects,' Aya said.

'The aim is to exchange ideas and inspire emerging artists and their viewers from both Australia and Japan.

'There are gifted artists from Toowoomba and several who are based in Tokyo who will showcase their artwork as part of this exhibition and it is the ideal way to begin this whole project.'

Opening at the USQ art gallery, the exhibition will also visit the Tracer Gallery and Bon Amici.

'The artwork will be on the student wall at the USQ art gallery from Monday 24 September to Saturday 6 October, Bon Amici from Sunday 6 October to Wednesday 31 October and the Tracer Gallery between November 17 and 19,' Aya said.

'Work from two artists, one from Japan and one from Australia will be on display for two weeks at a time.'

Aya was also confident that the six artists, Yasuhiko Ito, Danny Ford, Braddo, Kana Asai, Adam Armstrong and Takayuki Iitomi would promote understanding and acceptance between the two nations.

'Although this project will start between Australian and Japanese artists, it will not focus on cultural differences, categories such as nationality and gender or even borders.

'The artists will be able to leave their backgrounds behind, however by exhibiting in another country the artists will be challenged by a different field and viewers, which I find thrilling and meaningful not only for artists but also for viewers.'

The official opening of the exhibition will be at Bon Amici's on October 6 beginning at 6pm, with both the public and media welcome to attend.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628