Exhibition on contemporary Japanese architecture starts at PNCA

  • November 22, 2013, 2:12 pm
  • National News
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ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (INP): The Embassy of Japan, the Japan Foundation and Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in collaboration with the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association and MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan have organized an exhibition titled “PARRALEL NIPPON; Contemporary Japanese Architecture 1996-2006” at the National Art Gallery in Islamabad from Wednesday to 24th of December. The exhibition was inaugurated today by Mr. Hiroshi Inomata, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan.

Parallel Nippon is an exhibition that explores the evolution of Japanese architecture between 1996 and 2006. With a specific focus on the decade of 1996 – 2006, Parallel Nippon showcases various architectural efforts by means of four thematic sections which are city, life, culture and living. The exhibition presents 112 large-scale photographic panels, 63 text panels, architectural models and video footage of revolutionary architectural achievements realised not only in Japan, but across the world by Japanese architects.

Hiroshi Inomata, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, while speaking at the inaugural ceremony said that architecture gives us cultural clues about a country’s past, present and future. Highlighting the exhibition “Parallel Nippon”, Ambassador said that it looks at buildings completed on Japanese soil over the last decade as well as at buildings realized by Japanese architects abroad. He added that the purpose of showcasing this exhibition is to give the visitors a close glimpse of the versatility and individuality of the social and cultural life of Japanese people through these complex shaped structures, which reveal the true image of its surroundings.

Ambassador Inomata further elaborating said that these structures reflect the post bubble attributes of the long standing heritage and cultural maturity of the Japanese people. Due to its uniqueness, Japanese architecture is acknowledged internationally and Japanese architects are recruited by many countries to add their touch to the indigenous landscape. One such famous Japanese architect, Kenzo Tange, designed the Supreme Court building of Pakistan in Islamabad, said Ambassador Inomata.

This exhibition has been sent by the Japan Foundation, a non-profit organization that plays a major role in furthering cultural exchanges between Japan and other countries.

The exhibition is open to the public for viewing from 21st of November through 24th of December 2013 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily except Friday and gazetted holidays.