YAMBARU ART FESTIVAL
2023-2024

SATELLITE PROGRAM

Uimar

The rich nature and culture of Yanbaru, which has been recognized as a World Natural Heritage site, has great appeal, and there are many tourist attractions and resort hotels.
At the same time, however, a problem is the decrease in the number of wildlife inhabiting the area.
Rare animals that lose their lives due to roadkill caused by traffic accidents, and the noguchi guerra, a prefectural bird (a national special natural treasure) whose habitat is being lost due to deforestation, are designated as endangered species due to their sharp decline in numbers.

In this work, while depicting "Yanbaru" with its lush green forests, part of the work also depicts logged trees and the destruction of the natural environment.
The contrast emphasizes the progression of destruction as well as beauty. But on the other hand of destruction, it simultaneously creates the possibility of regeneration.
The hope for the future of nature, flora, and fauna that should be protected is expressed in the BAKI pattern, which is inspired by the powerful sea and sky of Okinawa, and the plants that are slightly crumbling but growing strong from it.

Okinawa's history has long been shaped by exchange and trade with other countries such as China, Japan, and even the United States.
Today, Okinawa is strongly influenced by such cross-cultural exchanges, while retaining its own local culture.
And through the chanpuru culture, which is a mixture of these elements, a new culture is being formed.
This work is another chanpuru work by BAKIBAKI and GURIRON, two artists from completely different backgrounds.
They hope that not only the Okinawan people but also all people who have the heart of "Yuimar" will participate in the formation of the culture, so that Okinawa will continue to develop as an attractive place to live and work.

PROFILE

BAKIBAKI

PROFILE

Born in Osaka in 1978. His signature "BAKI pattern," as he is commonly known, embodies a fusion of tradition and street. His major works include murals for the Tainan City Art Museum (2016), Osaka International Airport (2018), and overseas mural projects such as POW!WOW!TAIWAN (2015), POW!WOW!HAWAII (2018), The Wallriors/Kaohsiung (2019), Varanasi Art Project (2019 ), DUK FESTIVAL/Serbia (2023), and other overseas mural projects. From 2021, he will launch "Yodo Wall," a mural project centered in Juso, Osaka. He is contributing to the expansion of awareness of mural culture in Japan and the revitalization of the local community.

GURIRON

PROFILE

Born in Okinawa. He connects his inner and outer worlds through his murals and creations.
His work is an abstract expression of inconvenience and suffering from emotions and constraints, dropping color and form through painting in a visual form.
He also depicts the strength, vulnerability, and delicacy of nature and life, using plants to create a unique visual language.
He paints and creates imaginary natural worlds as roots for his emotional digestion.
In addition to painting, he also photographs and creates artwork in the form of murals and body painting.