After leaving the dense, populas and foggy metropolis that is Seoul, I find myself in the tiny agricultural village of Matsudai in the Echigo Tsumari region 2 hours north of Tokyo by bullet train.
Matsudai is struggling with loss of residents especially youth to the neon buzz of Tokyo. The town is trying to attract people back through participating in the Echigo Tsumari Art Triennale, an art festival where artists are given abandoned buildings to host their artworks.
It’s a gallant idea.
Australia’s contingent in the festival is based at Australia House. This obtuse triangular home/exhibition space is timber clad with honey wooden interiors, high ceilings, an interior wall that can be completely removed and beautiful square opening windows.
The building captures the harsh reality of life there and as soon as you step inside there is an immediate feeling of comfort and safety.
With 3 metre high snowfall in winter and muggy, sweaty summers Matsudai is not for the feint hearted and the building manages to maintain the essence of the place and in no way is imposing, but rather simple in its elegance.
Pave & Pave Creative 