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Deluxe Cafe Pop-Up - Wellington and Takamatsu - Japan
Next time you are down Embassy Theatre way on Courtney Place, Wellington- pop into Deluxe cafe, grab a Havana espresso and have a geeze (visit my shop to purchase) the Moena Moxham art up for display until the 11th of October.
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TAKAMATSU (Ⓘ.Ⓘ)
I had heard about the Ritsurin Gardens in Takamatsu and was in need of some music and city life so decided to make a three day weekend adventure and exploration of the first stop on Shikoku- Japan's less densely populated fourth island. Having past through here in April on the way to Naoshima and back though again on the way to Himeji, I was intrigued to explore this area in greater depth as it felt like it had much more to give.
Photo credit Diasuke Uchida
Photo credit Diasuke Uchida
Takamatsu is very cool- it has a great relaxed but funky attitude- it's creative and quirky but with just enough city and island life mix. As the main port town to Shikoku there is a little something of everything. But what I have been seeking this trip is very different from the last- environment, the land, people and energy has taken top priority- and of that the more tranquil, deep and esoteric kind. Nature does it best.
No photo is going to do this place justice unfortunately! SO. Stunnnnning.
Among the gardens in Japan designated as National Special Scenic Beauty, Ritsurin Garden is the largest. Construction started around 1625 by Takatoshi Ikoma, the feudal lord of Takamatsu, and took about 100 years with successive feudal lords to complete in 1745. The garden has six ponds and thirteen mounds strategically placed to use Mt Shiun as a background. Different flowers bloom all year round, changing the scenery as you walk. "One step, one scenery."
The garden also has an excellent reputation overseas. It was given three stars as the highest-rated, worth-visiting place for sightseeing in the Michelin Green Guide Japan in 2009. It did not fail to please- so much so I went back twice. It is truly stunning and very varied- each area has a unique feeling and spirit.
My friend had told me about a great live music venue down on the waterfront called AO which is part of a funky cafe called Umie and they had a live music event with a female Japanese musician called Minakumari and her friends. Made up of a sitar. guitar and harmonica combo it sounded interesting... they were SUPERB. Like mind-blowing! I have never heard a sitar or harmonica played like it- it was soul, mind and heart nourishment- see the wee video above :)
Best place to stay in Takamatsu- conveniently located (30 mins stroll from the port or two train clips), super clean, comfy and the rooms are extra dark so you get super long ..^.^..zZzzZZ!- Traditional Apartment
There is world class shopping, oisshiiii udon noodles, art, craft, gardens, nightlife and great spots to check out and have a gander. The pace is relaxed and I would definitely come back to Shikoku to see and explore more.
I traveled up to Busshozan to explore the onsen- alas this one was strict on tattoos. But I had a wonderful afternoon regardless; thankfully being an adventure rather than the destination gal anyhow, but a little FYI for anyone with ink as it's not on their website :)
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Artist in Residence: JAPAN -- & -- Moena Moxham solo show: Wellington
I am sooooOOOO extremely excited to announce the following news- I have literally had to sit on my hands and tape my mouth shut.....!
Announcing Moena Moxham solo show and selection as Artist in Residence at MeiPAM Gallery, Shodoshima, Japan. TA DA! We have a new exhibition ladies and gentlemen, and this one is packing some extra fire power!
Showcasing new art created between Japan and New Zealand in Wellington from the 10th- 21st of August. On display upstairs at In Good Company, 166A Cuba St and supported on opening night (Thursday 13th), by the musical maestro DJ Takas and the crafty local beerzies at Parrot Dog.
The proceeds are supporting my return to Shodoshima, Japan in September of this year.
While there I will be conducting workshops, facilitating community events and creating another collection of work that will be shown in the gallery of MeiPAM.
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Plus a wee article in the Wairarapa News about my trip to Japan and work currently on display at Aratoi | Wairarapa Museum of Art and History. Artwork is featured until the first week of August.
If you would like to read it online you can do so here- select the week beginning 8th July.
𝒞𝓊𝓇𝓇𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓁𝓎 𝓁𝑜𝒸𝒶𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝒾𝓃:
𝓙𝓪𝓹𝓪𝓷 | 2014
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