All Living Things
are Breathing Now
24.03.25
ARTLINK is pleased to
announce the opening of All Living Things are Breathing
Now, a captivating new solo exhibition by the Japanese
artist duo Kyunchome. This thought-provoking showcase,
curated by Keith Whittle, explores the intricate
relationships between coastal ecosystems, human
histories, and the enduring resilience of life.
The new exhibition opens to the public with a preview
from 6pm to 8pm at Artlink Fort Dunree on Friday 28th
March. The artists and curator will be present to
introduce the works. |
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All Living Things are
Breathing Now
Preview on Friday 28th March, running until 27th April
2025 |
Kyunchome – comprising
artists Nabuchi (b. 1984, Mito) and Honma Eri (b. 1987,
Yokohama) – creates immersive video installations and
artworks that delve into the complexities of coastal
spaces. These are places where land and sea meet, where
life adapts and persists, and where the scars of climate
change and human intervention are deeply felt. Through
their work, Kyunchome invites us to reflect on the
interconnectedness of all living things and the fragile
beauty of our shared environments.
Kyunchome also recalls being captivated by Ireland’s
mythology and animistic culture during a childhood
project, finding it reminiscent of Japan’s spiritual
connection to nature. This fascination led to a longing
to visit Ireland, seen as a place that listens to the
voices of nature and non-human beings – a perspective
deemed vital in today’s world: “When I was in elementary
school, we had a class project where we had to choose a
foreign country to research, and I chose Ireland. I
clearly remember being fascinated by Irish mythology and
animistic culture, which felt unexpectedly familiar to
me, almost like a connection to Japan.
“Since then, Ireland has always been a place I longed to
visit. I have this impression that Ireland is a country
that truly listens to the voices of beings other than
humans and to the voice of nature itself. I believe that
kind of attitude is profoundly important in our modern
world. I am convinced that we will gain new insights and
inspiration from Ireland’s nature and culture.”
For Kyunchome, the sea holds a transformative power,
stripping away social identities and reducing existence
to a single, equal life among all living creatures: “I
often dive into the sea. The sea transforms me into
something abstract. When I am underwater, I feel as if
all the layers of my identity peel away – Japanese,
woman, artist, human. All those social markers fall off,
and I return to being just a single life, nothing more.
In that state, I can see all living creatures as equal
lives. It is an extraordinary moment.” |
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All Living Things are
Breathing Now
Preview on Friday 28th March, running until 27th April
2025 |
In All Living Things are
Breathing Now, Kyunchome also hopes visitors will engage
deeply with their inner selves and memories,
particularly those tied to the sea and horizon. The
exhibition features works designed to bridge the gap
between the audience and the ocean, offering a unique
and immersive encounter. Their goal is to evoke joy,
peace, and a renewed appreciation for the natural world
through art. “I hope that visitors will imagine, and
listen carefully – not only to distant worlds but also
to their own inner self. I believe that art is not about
trying to understand the work itself, but about valuing
what you remember, feel, or imagine when encountering
it. Try to recall your own memories of the sea, or the
horizon. One of the works, in particular, is designed to
create a connection between the sea in front of the
Artlink gallery and the audience. I hope that visitors
can have a joyful and peaceful time with this exhibition
– and to importantly experience a new way of
encountering the sea.”
Curator Keith Whittle, shared his excitement ahead of
the new solo exhibition: “Kyunchome’s work is a powerful
reminder of how art can connect us to the world around
us. This thought-provoking exhibition is not just about
the sea or the coast – it’s about us, our histories, and
our futures. I hope visitors will leave feeling inspired
to think more deeply about their relationship with the
natural world.”
Exhibition Details
Title: All Living Things are Breathing Now
Artists: Kyunchome (Nabuchi and Honma Eri)
Curator: Keith Whittle
Venue: Artlink Fort Dunree, Linsfort, Buncrana
Dates: Preview, 6pm to 8pm on Friday 28th March, running
until 27th April 2025
Opening Hours: Daily, 10:30am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
For further information about ‘All Living Things are
Breathing Now’ or upcoming exhibitions and events at
Artlink, visit
www.artlink.ie . |
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