BRIDGE is a biennale project intended to introduce contemporary and affordable Japanese art to the Thai art scene. The project began in 2005 with the collaboration of Akko Art gallerist Atsuko Davies, curator & art collector Yukio Ogushi, and artist curator Kato, Shojiro. Every other year the artworks of active contemporary Japanese artists are exhibited in Bangkok. The Bridge series is increasingly enjoying high repute in terms of quality and content.

While preparing for the 4th Bridge Exhibition with hope and expectation, unprecedented events gave way on the 11th of March as Japan suffered great earthquakes, tsunamis, and nuclear accidents. Within these tough times in Japan, the three of us deliberated for a while as to whether to continue on with Bridge. Then we saw the resilience of the victims, as well as the help, encouragement, and volunteer efforts given to Japan from both Thailand and around the world. The gallery too, were given words of encouragement from people within the Thai art world and decided to proceed with the individual artists to prepare for Bridge 2011.

Bridge participating artist Yuko Kawaguchi commented “I painted this hoping for ease of the sadness and worry in the disaster victims.” Ito, Akinori commented, “Even though the light from the sky has not changed, after 311 the shape of the shadow reflected on the earth is completely different. There’s something there recollected from deep inside my memory.” Taichi Yonaha comments, “I paint the sky that is reflected on the surface of the water. The opposing world exists at the same time. So I’m painting a world within this small world.” While facing up to reality, the heart of each artist has been poured into creating artwork post 311. Akko Art has been actively working to help the victims of disaster through art in partnership with artist friends in Japan and around the world, gallerists and public agencies, as well as through and with relief organisations.

However, Bridge 2011 itself is NOT a charity exhibition. Rather, it shows the productivity of the artists after 311 and the stamina and resilience of the Japanese. Akko Art is all so thankful that they can hold this exhibition and are looking forward to meeting you at Bridge 2011.