teamLab: Digitized Kanazawa Castle | teamLab

PAST EXHIBITION

Sep 30 - Nov 26, 2023Kanazawa Castle Park, Kanazawa, Ishikawa

READ ME BEFORE YOU VISIT

Details about the exhibition today (e.g. closure due to severe weather conditions)

PAST EXHIBITION

Sep 30 - Nov 26, 2023Kanazawa Castle Park, Kanazawa, Ishikawa

READ ME BEFORE YOU VISIT

Details about the exhibition today (e.g. closure due to severe weather conditions)

teamLab: Digitized Kanazawa Castle
Kanazawa Castle was the residence of the Maeda clan for 14 generations, from the end of the Sengoku period (1467 - 1590) through the Edo period (1603 - 1868). As it was initially built in 1546 as a base for the Ikko Ikki (a group of monks from the branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism called Ikko-shu that rose to national power), it was originally known as “Kanazawa Mido*” (or “Oyama Gobo**”).  However, once Maeda Toshiie, one of Oda Nobunaga’s retainers, took over the Kaga domain (which corresponded roughly to present-day Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures), the building was reconstructed as a castle under the supervision of Takayama Ukon, known as the Kirishitan (Catholic) daimyo. Since then, the castle underwent multiple fires and lost its main castle tower when it was hit by lightning in 1602. The building was used as a base for the army after the Meiji restoration and once the war was over, it became one of Kanazawa University’s campuses. Over time, Kanazawa Castle has served as a place for religion, politics, war, and learning, and with this exhibition, is transformed into an art space where the past and present intersect, changing through the interactions and existence of the people of today.

This exhibition is a part of teamLab’s Digitized City art project, in which teamLab explores how non-material digital technology can turn a city and its buildings into art without physically altering it.

teamLab: Digitized Kanazawa Castle will transform the grounds and historic castle of Kanazawa into an art space that transforms interactively. The artworks are influenced by the wind and rain, as well as by the behavior of people, making nature and the people become a part of the artworks, and a part of the long continuity of time. 

The artworks, people, and nature; the self and others; the past and the present; all form a continuity without boundaries.

*meaning: Kanazawa Temple

**meaning: Oyama Temple. Oyama was the former name of Kanazawa city

ARTWORKS

Animals of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives in the Stone Wall - Kanazawa Castle

The animals are formed from the stone walls and the flowers that bloom and die in a continuous cycle. Seasonal flowers bloom while slowly changing. If too many petals scatter, the animals will die and fade away.

Enso on Ancient Stone Wall

Among the stone walls of Kanazawa Castle there is a north-facing stone wall, Higashi no Maru (built around 1592-1595), that was constructed with the oldest technique of Nomenzumi (a method of stacking natural stones as they are). In this artwork, Enso is drawn infinitely on this Stone Wall.

The black lines drawn with light express the absence of light, and cannot be distinguished from the shadows of the stone walls that have been weathered over the past several hundred years. The black calligraphy and the black shadows created by the long passing of time become one, infinitely drawing Enso on the stone walls.
Enso blurs the physical boundaries of the Fushimi Yagura turret, and creates a new time space.

Enso is the Zen practice of drawing a circle with a single brushstroke. This artwork depicts Enso drawn as Spatial Calligraphy. As the three-dimensional stroke rotates, there are moments when its circular shape is revealed.
Spatial Calligraphy is a form of calligraphy drawn in space that teamLab has been exploring since it was founded. The artwork reconstructs calligraphy in three-dimensional space to express the depth, speed, and power of the brushstroke.

Back in ancient times, Enso was drawn in space using sticks, to symbolize the concepts of enlightenment, truth, the universe, and equality, in a figurative manner. The circle is also a reflection of the viewer’s inner self, thus its interpretation depends on the viewer.

Walk, Walk, Walk - Kanazawa Castle

A group of anonymous and diverse figures walk along the stone wall of Kanazawa Castle.

Viewers will make choices, as they confront the figures.

“Hoho kore dojo” is a Zen expression on how every step is a place to learn. The figures in the artwork walk endlessly while confronting new situations. When people walk towards the figures, they will also confront new situations or new characters along their way.

The artwork is not a pre-recorded image that is played back: it is created by a computer program that continuously renders the work in real time. Previous visual states can never be replicated, and will never reoccur. The picture at this moment can never be seen again.

Autonomous Resonating Life and Resonating Trees

The resisting and resonating ovoids placed amongst the trees shine. The light of the ovoids and the light of the trees are autonomous: they shine brightly and then fade slowly, as though they are breathing.

When an ovoid is pushed, the color of the light it emits changes and a tone unique to that color echoes out. The light that originated from that ovoid resonates out to other ovoids and trees nearby. The tone resonates out continuously in the same way as the light, spreading throughout the ovoids and trees.

If a wave of light comes from the other side, it signifies the presence of people there. People gain a heightened sense of awareness of the existence of other people in the same space.

Resonating Trees

The trees shine brightly. The light of each tree is autonomous, blinking as if breathing slowly.
When people pass close to the trees, the light changes color, and a tone specific to that color resonates out. The light of the tree is transmitted to the surrounding trees one by one, continuously emitting the same tone. 
If light approaches from the trees in the distance, it signifies the presence of people there, making people more aware of the existence of others in the same space.

Inui Turret Stone Wall

The musical experience changes depending on the pace at which you walk.

Giant Solidified Spark

Reality is not what we see. What we see is a world that we are capable of perceiving.

A sphere made of accumulated rays of light.
The light radiates from the center in infinite fine rays, creating its spherical shape. The light source remains motionless, yet the countless lines emitting from it wriggle continuously.

The sphere has no surface boundary, and the perception of the boundary between the artwork and the body is ambiguous. When you try to touch a sphere, your hand goes into the sphere as it does not have a physical boundary.

What is this sphere? Why do the rays wriggle?
Our world is within us.

And once we recognize this sphere made of accumulated lines, our perception of the world expands, and we will begin to notice them wherever we go.

Sketch Generals

A park where historical generals drawn by everyone gather together. The figures featured in this artwork are associated with Kanazawa.

Color in a general on the paper provided, such as Maeda Toshiie, Maeda Matsu (Omatsu no Kata), Takayama Ukon, Maeda Toshinaga, Tamahime, Oda Nobunaga, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. See the picture you have drawn come to life in the massive park in front of you.

If you touch a general, their famous quote will appear in a speech bubble.

■How to interact with the artwork
1: Draw and color in your favorite general.
2: Scan the colored drawing.
3: Watch the historical figures come to life as they walk around the park.
4: Touch a general to read their famous quote.

SKETCH FACTORY

Turn your own drawing into a souvenir to take home with you.
The historical figures you draw and bring to life in Sketch Generals will be made into an original tin badge.

VISIT US

Update

Details about the exhibition today
Please check here regarding details about the exhibition today (e.g. closure due to severe weather conditions)

Please read before visiting
・The venue is dark, has stairs and steps, and some areas are unpaved, so we recommend that you wear sneakers or other comfortable walking shoes. Some areas are not accessible to disabled persons, wheelchairs and prams.
The event may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. For more information, please see this page and the official website of the Ishikawa Hyakumangoku Cultural Festival 2023.

Entrance
・The entrance is only Ishikawamon Gate. Please note that you cannot enter from other entrances (Nezumitamon Gate, Gyokusenin’maru Gate, Kuromon Gate, Otemon Gate).

Same-day tickets
・During the exhibition period, same-day tickets will be sold at the venue ticket office near the Ishikawamon Information Booth in Kanazawa Castle Park, the Kanazawa Station Tourist Information Center, and the Kanazawa Central Tourist Information Center. In order to avoid crowds at the ticket office, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance. If not sold out, tickets can still be purchased on the day via the official ticket website.
・Tickets may sell out.

Venue Details

teamLab: Digitized Kanazawa Castle

Term

Sep 30 - Nov 26, 2023

Hours

18:00 - 21:30 (Last entry 20:45)

Ticket Sales

①Official Ticket Website

②Ticket agencies
eplus, Hokkoku Shimbun Reader Service Center, Ishikawa Ongakudo Ticket Box, Kanazawa Station Tourist Information Center (same-day tickets only), Kanazawa Central Tourist Information Center (same-day tickets only)

③Venue
Ticket office (same-day tickets only)

・Date-specific tickets
・We cannot refund money due to personal circumstances preventing you from participating.
・The date can only be changed if purchased on the Official Ticket Website.
・For those who have a disability certificate
*A disability discount ticket may also be purchased for 1 assistant per guest with a disability certificate. (Special circumstances may allow an assistant to receive a free ticket).
*Only disability certificates issued in Japan will be eligible.
*Certificates will be checked at the entrance gate, so please enter with the accompanying person.
*In addition to disability certificates, the Mirairo ID can also be used.
・Elementary school students and under must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old.
・Tickets may sell out.
・Same-day tickets are not sold at eplus, Hokkoku Shimbun Reader Service Center, or Ishikawa Ongakudo Ticket Box.

Website

Ishikawa Hyakumangoku Cultural Festival 2023

ACCESS

Address

Kanazawa Castle Park
1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa

Address in local language:

金沢城公園
石川県金沢市丸の内1-1

Enlarge

By Bus

・About 20 minutes by bus from Kanazawa Station（East Gate Bus Terminal）
*about 5 minutes on foot from 'Kenrokuenshita/Kanazawa Castle' bus stop to Ishikawamon Gate

By Car

・10 min from Kanazawa Station by car.
・Hokuriku Expressway From Kanazawa West IC (about 30 min.)
・Hokuriku Expressway From Kanazawa East IC (about 30 min.)
・Hokuriku Expressway From Morimoto IC (about 20 min.)
*If you come by car, please use a nearby pay parking lot.

FAQ

About Ticket

Are same-day tickets available?

During the exhibition period, same-day tickets will be sold at the venue ticket office near the Ishikawamon Information Booth in Kanazawa Castle Park, the Kanazawa Station Tourist Information Center, and the Kanazawa Central Tourist Information Center. In order to avoid the crowds at the ticket office, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance. If not sold out, tickets can still be purchased on the day via the official ticket website.

Where can I buy tickets?

1. Via the official ticketing website
Credit cards are accepted.

2. Via ticket agencies
The following ticket agencies accept cash and other payment methods. Please refer to the respective agency for more information.
-eplus
-Hokkoku Shimbun Reader Service Center
-Ishikawa Ongakudo Ticket Box
-Kanazawa Station Tourist Information Center (Same day tickets only)
-Kanazawa Central Tourist Information Center (Same day tickets only)

3. Venue
Only same day tickets are available, which may sell out.
Only cash is accepted.

Can I change or cancel the date of my ticket?

In general, tickets cannot be canceled or changed once purchased. However, the date can be changed for tickets directly purchased from the official ticketing website. The date of the ticket may be changed up to 3 times. To do so, select 'Change ticket date' displayed on the QR ticket and follow the procedure. Changes can be made up to 20:45 of the indicated date.

The ticket date cannot be changed in the following cases:
　- The date has already been changed 3 times
　- Changing to a different type of ticket
　- Changing to date that has sold out or has insufficient tickets left
　- Changing the date for a portion of tickets within a multiple-ticket purchase
　- Changing to multiple dates within a multiple-ticket purchase
　- Changing to a date with a different price

Do I need to print my ticket?

1. If you own a smartphone, tablet, or similar device
You do not need to print your ticket. Access the URL from your confirmation email and display the ticket screen at the entrance.

2. If you do not own a smartphone, tablet, or similar device
Print your ticket from the "Print your ticket" button.

Regarding entry

Will the exhibition be held in the rain?

Yes, but in the case of particularly bad weather, the exhibition will be suspended. For details, please check this website and the Ishikawa National Cultural Festival 2023 official website.

Can junior high school students and younger enter the festival alone?

Junior high school students may enter unaccompanied. Elementary school students must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there any admission restrictions?

In order to alleviate congestion in the venue, admission may be restricted.

Regarding the venue

Are parking lots available?

There are no parking lots available. If you are coming by car, please use a nearby pay parking lot.

Are there restrooms in the venue?

You can use the Tsurunomaru Rest House, Park Management Center, and restrooms in Sannomaru Kita Park.

View All

Tickets and general enquiries

KCS
076-224-4141
(Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00 except holidays)

Information booth at the venue

076-208-3077
(Sep 30-Nov 26 16:00-21:30)

Notes

・A special ticket is required to view this exhibition. Please note that even if you have already entered Kanazawa Castle Park, you must leave at 17:00 and pay the admission fee.
・The exhibition does not include entry to Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, Hashizumemon Tsuzuki Yagura, Hashizumemon, Kahokumon, Nezumitamon, Gyokusenan, etc.
・The venue is dark, has stairs and steps, and some areas are unpaved, so we recommend that you wear sneakers or other comfortable walking shoes. Some areas are not accessible to disabled persons, wheelchairs and prams.
・The elderly and people with physical disabilities are advised to take extra care when visiting given that the exhibition will involve about 1km of walking.
・Visitors who are in poor physical condition, drunk or deemed to disturb others will not be allowed to view the exhibition.
・If you have a large luggage such as a carry-on bag, we recommend that you leave it elsewhere in advance before arriving.
・Re-entry is not permitted.
・The exhibition may be canceled in the event of bad weather. For details, please check this page and the Ishikawa National Cultural Festival 2023 official website.
・Smoking is prohibited in the park.
・Pets are not allowed in the park. However, guide dogs and other assistance dogs are permitted.
・Eating and drinking in the park is prohibited.
・Photography, video recording and posting on social networking services are permitted, but the following are prohibited:
　Flash photography and drone photography.
　The use of monopods, tripods, etc., or any actions that may inconvenience surrounding visitors.
・Photographing for commercial purposes without prior consent is not permitted.
・Restrooms are available in Tsurunomaru Rest House, Park Management Center, and Sannomaru Kita park are available, but due to the limited number it is recommended to go before visiting the exhibition.
・Wheelchairs are available for rent at the venue, but please note that the number is limited.
・Please do not enter the restricted areas (other than the exhibition area).
・Do not deface cultural properties or the stone walls.

ARTIST

teamLab

teamLab (f. 2001) is an international art collective. Their collaborative practice seeks to navigate the confluence of art, science, technology, and the natural world. Through art, the interdisciplinary group of specialists, including artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians, and architects, aims to explore the relationship between the self and the world, and new forms of perception.

In order to understand the world around them, people separate it into independent entities with perceived boundaries between them. teamLab seeks to transcend these boundaries in our perceptions of the world, of the relationship between the self and the world, and of the continuity of time. Everything exists in a long, fragile yet miraculous, borderless continuity.

teamLab’s works are in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne; Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney; Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide; National Gallery of Australia, Canberra;  Amos Rex, Helsinki; Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; Asian Art Museum, San Francisco; Borusan Contemporary Art Collection, Istanbul; and Asia Society Museum, New York, among others.

teamlab.art

Biographical Documents

teamLab is represented by Pace Gallery, Martin Browne Contemporary and Ikkan Art.

Organizers

Agency for Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Ishikawa Prefecture, Ishikawa Hyakumangoku Cultural Festival 2023 Executive Committee

Special Cooperation

Hokkoku Shimbun