KOMIYA Chiku

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KOMIYA Chiku

Participating Project	Exchange Residency Program (Japan-based creators sent abroad)
Activity Based	Tokyo
City / Place stayed	Helsinki / HIAP (Helsinki International Artist Programme)
Period	2024.8 - 2024.11

Purpose of the residency

I am considering creating a synthetic language between Japanese and Finnish using their phonetic similarities (for example, there are many same-sound words like "kani," "kissa," and "inari," etc. between Japanese and Finnish, and like Japanese, Finnish distinguishes between long and short vowels and consonants) and producing its song. There is a close relationship between song and language, and phonological and linguistic structures influence the structure of songs. The creation of a new synthetic language will also lead to the invention of new song forms. Finally, Artificial voices and actual singers will sing these new songs.

Plan during the residency

• Research Finnish linguistic things at Oodi.
• Contact The Finnish Folk Music Institute to research Finnish folk songs.
• Analyze collected Finnish and Japanese folk songs.
• Create a program to automatically generate melodies.
• Arrange for Finnish and Japanese singers to sing the songs.

Activities during the residency

During my residency, a synthetic language combining Finnish and Japanese, called “Koe-go,” was created, and a media installation/performance work based on fictional folk songs in this language was produced and presented. For the production, I attended local Finnish language courses and conducted investigations into Finnish folk songs. Collaborators in this project included Daniel Malpikka, who composed poetry in the newly created synthetic language, and Aino Peltomaa, who performed the poetry in this language.

Outcome of the residency

This was my first experience participating in an artist-in-residence program. During my stay at HIAP, I had the opportunity to connect with resident artists and curators as well as a diverse group of local individuals, including artists, poets, singers, and researchers. I was also able to create works that I consider significant milestones in my artistic practice. Moreover, I held a solo exhibition during the residency, making it an incredibly fruitful experience. Through this participation, I came to realize the immense value of residency programs for artistic production and networking. It has inspired me to pursue opportunities in other residency programs in the future and to expand my practice internationally. Conversely, the experience also led me to reflect on the potential for greater engagement with Tokyo’s art scene. Having accomplished this much abroad, I began to feel that there is more I can explore and examine in Tokyo. Engaging in dialogues with artists and curators from various countries also made me consider the uniqueness and distinctiveness of Tokyo’s art scene. While seeking my next international residency opportunity, I am increasingly motivated to focus on presenting and producing works in Tokyo.

Creator Information