Meguro River is becoming one with art this September, with a four-kilometre stretch of the river transformed into a giant ‘instrument’ on September 4 to 6 and 18 to 22.
At the heart of the project is Kaze – body, a sound installation by artist Ray Kunimoto. Made up of countless metal plates, the installation sits on a boat that travels along the Meguro River, from Tennozu at the river’s mouth to the area in front of Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. Exploring the relationship between invisible forces such as gravity, wind and water and the physical environment, the work turns the energy of the wind into sound, as the metal plates sway and collide with one another.
Kaze – body will operate from 6pm to 9pm on September 4 to 6 and 18 to 22. Designated viewing points include the promenade along the Meguro River and Gotanda Fureai Waterside Square, where visitors can stroll along the riverbank, wait for the artwork to arrive and listen to its sounds.
At Gotanda Fureai Waterside Square, speakers installed on streetlights will play sounds synchronised with Kaze – body. This allows visitors to experience not just the artwork on the boat, but the entire riverside environment – including the time spent waiting for the boat to pass – as one expansive sound installation. On opening day, September 4, a documentary by Kunimoto and Kaori Yamane about the creation of Kaze – body will also be projected onto the riverbank.
Moreover, on September 12, a one-day-only live music performance will take place at Higashi-Shinagawa Kaijo Park. DJs and food trucks will kick off from 3pm on the park side, followed by live performances from 5pm on a special stage set up on a houseboat. Alongside Kunimoto’s work, the performance line-up includes duo Tatsuro Murakami & Shin Araki, and duo Shöka feat. Kei Matsumaru. Meanwhile, DJ Emerald and Grrrden will be spinning DJ sets.
Check the event website for more details.