ARAI Takashi

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ARAI Takashi

Participating Project	Exchange Residency Program (Japanese Creators sent abroad)
Activity Based	Kanagawa, Japan
City / Place stayed	Helsinki / HIAP (Helsinki International Artist Programme)
Period	2022.9 - 2022.12

Purpose of the residency

1. To initiate on-site research: interviews with Finnish Saami researchers, Onkalo officials, and locals.
2. To secure a base for creating daguerreotypes: Daguerreotype requires processing immediately after shooting. To work around Onkalo and anthropomorphic stones, HIAP is an ideal venue.
3. To establish a new network such as local staff and cast necessary for the film production (TBD).
4. To initiate preliminary arrangements for further creative activities in Finland after the program.

Plan during the residency

September 2022
• Preparation for daguerreotype production (woodworking of equipment)
• Visiting Sámi researchers and artists who are knowledgeable about Sámi culture and ask for advice on the project and ethical considerations
• Visiting Onkalo, interviews with the people concerned
• Daguerreotype production at Onkalo

October
• Daguerreotype production in Onkalo
• Visit to Sami anthropomorphic stone monuments (Astuvansalmi, Lakiasuonvuori, Viherinkoski A, Mertakallio, etc.)
• Creation of rough drafts for a video work
  

Early November
• Studio rearrangement as exhibition space
• Open studio
  

Late November
• Supplemental research and socializing to continue creative activities after the program
  

Early December
• Revisiting project cooperators
• Clear up studio
  

Activities during the residency

I made daguerreotypes, films, and other works in the area around the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant through visiting inside Onkalo, the final disposal site for nuclear waste, and interviews with the people involved. I also visited the Sami archaeological site and nature altars on the Varangarfjord coast, which are estimated to be 9,000 years old, and carried out a similar production. I made a concept video as the first step in a long-term project exploring the possibility of preserving daguerreotype portraits in a waste disposal site that will store the waste for 100,000 years.。

Outcome of the residency

I felt constrained by the location because transportation to and from the island was limited to ferries, which made it very difficult to transport equipment to the filming location and procure materials. On the other hand, this beautiful location allowed me to deepen my research and thoughts without feeling rushed. It was a valuable opportunity, especially during my mid-career in which I feel a strong sense of time pressure. Based on the connections and experiences I gained during my stay, I would like to continue to shape my long-term project by revisiting Finland.

Creator Information