Talk and Screening: VISION FOR KALPA - Cycle of Creation and Destruction

Hiroshi Ashikaga’s practice is centred on the notion of time. His images are initially captured with a pinhole camera then developed into footage. His use of the simplest form of apparatus, which  reflects his interest in different time scales apparently unified through our modern perception of time. Following the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011, Ashikaga investigated the time and space where people reflect on prayer. His definition of prayer goes beyond the religious, encompassing connections to the other, and contemplations on the hiatus of time.

Ashikaga was awarded a grant from the 7th Emerging Artist Support Programme by Tokyo Wonder Site (TWS) in 2012, allowing him to visit to the UK on a research trip to study pre-historic monuments such as stone circles, and later places of worship such as medieval chapels. His new body of film work is based on his visits to sacred sites, capturing their natural lighting and sense of place. As part of his research, the work contains references to historical modes of prayer.

In the artist’s talk, he discussed his recent research in the UK and there was a screening of his recent artworks.

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