Mixed Bathing World Executive Committee's New Art Project "ALTERNATIVE-STATE" in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Japan

BEPPU,Japan,March 6,2023 --The Mixed Bathing World Executive Committee (*) based in Beppu City,OitaPrefecture,has begun a new art project,"ALTERNATIVE-STATE,"envisioning improvement in the city's brand loyalty. The first work by Sarkisis now on view,and the second work by Michael Lin will be completed in March2023. The plan is to invite artists from among promising young artists tointernational virtuosos for the purpose of producing eight public works overfour years. Through the entire project,the committee aims to make Beppu evenmore attractive as a place where visitors can enjoy art and sightseeingwhenever they visit,changing the stereotype notion that "onsen" (hot spring)is the city's only attraction.

(*) The Mixed Bathing World Executive Committee is an organization that hasbeen engaged in regional revitalization through art and culture,with the aimof multicultural coexistence.

Project outline

Title: ALTERNATIVE-STATE

Venue: Various locations in Beppu City,Oita Prefecture

Admission: Free

Website: https://alternative-state.com

Host: Mixed Bathing World Executive Committee

Images: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/202302273286?p=images

About "ALTERNATIVE-STATE"

Interpreting characters used to describe Beppu as "alternate city," ALTERNATIVE-STATE envisions the city as not only a physical place but an ideathat includes imaginary spaces and situations. Just as pressing the "alt" keyallows users to access alternate functions or characters not typically assignedto the keyboard,the artwork in ALTERNATIVE-STATE transports visitors to adifferent world and state of being. It is an invitation into a regeneratedworld -- a new proposal for how to relate to the city.

First work by Sarkis:

https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202302273286-O3-6g981w73.pdf

Second work by Michael Lin to be completed in March 2023

The second work "Onsenbouquet" is by Michael Lin,an internationally acclaimedartist based in Taipei and Brussels. He is known for his technique of usingpatterns and motifs rooted in people's daily lives to create huge paintings inpublic spaces that make the viewer a part of them. While researching the cityof Beppu,he found inspiration in floral patterns of yukata,or summer kimonos,and patterns of tiles used on building exteriors and inside public baths. Thosepatterns will spread from public to private spaces in various parts of thecity,appearing in a variety of media and scales.

- Mural project

With the help of local emerging artists and students,a large mural will beinstalled on the western wall of Bluebird Hall,which houses the historic movietheater.

Opening date (tentative): March 25,2023

- Poster project

Some designated walls will be covered with 11 different posters like "wildposting" (street poster) campaigns. Also,a private residence,selected throughan open call,will be one of the venues. Posters will be widely distributed tolocal stores and the community.

Opening date (tentative): March 16,2023

Artists' biographies:

https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202302273286-O4-ds0eiA07.pdf

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