YOKOHAMA.- The Yokohama Triennale recently opened its 2017 editon: Islands, Constellations & Galapagos.

"While the world today is expanding beyond traditional frameworks, and various kinds of networks are growing, it is being shaken to its foundations by challenges such as conflict, refugees and immigration, and the emergence of protectionism, xenophobia, and populism. At the same time, the world is awash in data far exceeding the processing capacity of human beings, and in an increasingly complex and sophisticated environment where communication tools such as social media are developing rapidly, people appear to be banding together into small, disparate groups of “island universe” and communities.

Also, there is increasingly assertive activity by a wide range of small-scale organizations that challenge the dictates of superpowers and centralized political systems.

Against this backdrop of widespread disruption of conventional social frameworks and values, Yokohama Triennale 2017 embarks on a multi-faceted examination, through art, of the themes of connectivity and isolation, under the title Islands, Constellations & Galapagos. We contemplates the world in which conflicting concepts and phenomena are intricately intertwined and constantly in flux, the nature of identity and diversity, and how the courage, imagination and creativity of human beings can be used to derive a new vision and ground design for the future when our future remains uncertain." –Akiko Miki, Co-Director, Yokohama Triennale 2017

For this edition of the Yokohama Triennale, there is a conscious focus on the historical background of Yokohama, including selection of historic buildings in the city that symbolize Japan’ modernization as venues. There are also participating artists who address Yokohama’ historical record and topography. The Triennale partnered and collaborated with local businesses, art NPOs and volunteer supporters to be broadly engaged with the city.

Participating artists: Ai Weiwei / Broomberg & Chanarin / Maurizio Cattelan / Dong Yuan / Sam Durant / Olafur Eliasson / Alex Hartley / Hatakeyama Naoya / Carsten Höller, Tobias Rehberger, Anri Sala & Rirkrit Tiravanija / Jenny Holzer / Christian Jankowski / Kawakubo Yoi / Kazama Sachiko / Ragnar Kjartansson / Map Office / Prabhavathi Meppayil / Ozawa Tsuyoshi / Katie Paterson / Paola Pivi / Kathy Prendergast / Rob Pruitt / Wael Shawky / Shooshie Sulaiman / The Propeller Group / Ujino / Yanagi Yukinori