NISHIKAWA Mihoko

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NISHIKAWA Mihoko

Participating Project	Exchange Residency Program (Japan-based creators sent abroad)
Activity Based	Tokyo
City / Place stayed	Los Angeles / 18th Street Arts Center
Period	2024.9

Purpose of the residency

I would like to study what has happened on the West Coast in my area of research on immaterial art from the 1960s to the present. I would also like to learn more about the relationship between art and society by observing the experiments being developed in LA.

Plan during the residency

• Research on curation and accessibility at Art Museums in the United States, focusing on Los Angeles
• Research on the current art scene in Los Angeles 
  
• Research on the activities of Fluxus artists in and around the California Institute of the Arts in the late 1960s and early 1970s
  
• Research on feminist and alternative activism, including 18SAC
  

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*Nishikawa Mihoko’s residency was made possible by an artist residency partnership with 18th Street Arts Center through the Call to Dream: The Sam Francis Fellowship and TOKAS.

Activities during the regidency

My research focused on performative art forms, such as happenings and actions, as well as alternative activities connected to local communities and histories, including those associated with the 18th Street Arts Center. The investigation was conducted through methods such as exhibition surveys, archival research, studio visits, and interviews. This research broadened my interest in the history and works of Asian Americans, leading to visits to Japanese American internment camps from the World War II era and interviews with relevant artists.

Outcome of the residency

Through my experiences in Taiwan, I came to deeply appreciate the importance of not only land, objects, and history, but also the significance of "connecting with the people who are living here now." I frequently encountered the challenges inherent in researching topics related to war. Issues such as historical context, political perspectives, international relations, and conflicts between nations and regions—elements that could not be overlooked—often arose, profoundly impacting my emotions while continually emerging as significant obstacles. As a result, there were times when my thinking became stagnant, when progress seemed impossible, or when I found myself overwhelmed and paralyzed by overanalysis. While patience and a careful, measured approach are crucial, I realized that even more vital is the commitment to "never stop thinking and keep working." Residency-based creation and exhibition opportunities pushed me into these situations, motivating me to confront challenges directly. Building on the difficulties I faced during this residency, I intend to continue my research in Taiwan and other parts of Asia. Additionally, I aim to present works that reflect these experiences, striving to incorporate a more nuanced and multifaceted perspective in my future projects.

Creator Information