Art Talk: Soundscape Okinawa

Okinawa is known as a tropical resort; however, the island in southern Japan is also a venue for international artists. Formerly Berlin-based artist and curator Titus Spree (who is also an educator with a background in teaching architecture at the University of the Ryukyus since 2001) has witnessed the progress of the local art scene and participated in it. In 2020, he joined forces with Naoko Uchima (art manager from Okinawa). Together, they founded AIO (Art Initiative Okinawa) to support Okinawa’s contemporary art scene and facilitate a more sustainable, connected, and cooperative environment for art production in Okinawa. Titus and Naoko will introduce Okinawa, its art scene, and “Soundscape Okinawa”, an art and sound installation located in an enchanted medieval castle ruin. This project demonstrates how Okinawan artists draw inspiration from living between beaches, ancient ruins, and military bases.