Aichi Triennale's Sixth Edition Curated By Hoor Al Qasimi Features Global Artists

The Aichi Triennale, a prominent international art event in Japan, commenced its sixth edition on 13 September 2025. This year's exhibition, titled "A Time Between Ashes and Roses," is curated by Hoor Al Qasimi. She is the first non-Japanese Artistic Director in the triennale's history and serves as President and Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation. The title draws inspiration from a verse by Syrian poet Adonis.

The exhibition envisions the future through geological time rather than national or territorial perspectives. This approach challenges conventional views on humanity's relationship with the environment. Featuring 60 artists and collectives from 22 countries, the triennale explores themes of cultural memory, material experimentation, and popular imagination.

Robert Andrew delves into suppressed family histories through his installations. Priyageetha Dia intertwines Southeast Asian labor histories with speculative tropics and machine logics. Simone Leigh showcases her renowned ceramic and bronze sculptures in Japan for the first time. Faustin Linyekula presents a performance rooted in dance, storytelling, and cultural survival politics.

Afra Al Dhaheri draws from her Abu Dhabi upbringing, blending performance, video, and installation. Emirati artists Mohammed Kazem, Maitha Abdalla, and Shaikha Al Mazrou also participate. Kazem is known for conceptual art; Abdalla spans film, sculpture, painting, and performance; Al Mazrou explores identity and cultural heritage through multimedia works.

Kamala Ibrahim Ishag addresses migration and displacement issues while weaving narratives of her Sudanese heritage. Celebrated manga artist Morohoshi Daijiro debuts a newly commissioned illustration. Barrack (Furuhata Taiki + Kondo Kanako) transforms the Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum into a café-restaurant exhibition space fostering local and international community exchange.

Sasaki Rui creates a site-specific installation in a recently closed public bathhouse in Seto City. This work reflects on everyday life and the region's deep ties to nature and ceramic traditions. The opening ceremony featured Takeo Obayashi, Chairperson of the Aichi Triennale Organising Committee; Hideaki Omura, Governor of Aichi Prefecture; alongside UAE dignitaries Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, and Sheikha Nawar bint Ahmed Al Qassimi.

Upcoming Events at the Triennale

The triennale runs until 30 November 2025. It will host roundtable discussions and artist talks on 14 and 15 September 2025. From 1 to 3 November 2025, 'Three Special Days for Experiencing the Vibe of Ceramic City of Seto' will take place. Additionally, there will be an annual project at the Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum involving firing ceramics in an old kiln reproduction.

This event offers a platform for diverse artistic expressions while fostering cultural exchange between local communities and international participants.

With inputs from WAM