Deep Kyoto

good places - good people

An Interview with Mara Alper

By

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of ties between Mexico and Japan the Kampo Museum is currently exhibiting the art and crafts of the indigenous Huichol people. Dominating the exhibition are the extraordinary peyote inspired yarn paintings of the late Huichol artist and shaman José Benitez Sanchez. On the 24th of January, Professor Mara Alper, award winning media artist and documentary maker, will be giving a presentation at the Kampo Museum entitled “Visions of the Huichol”. She has been kind enough to grant me an email interview in advance of this event.

Mara Alper with Celia and Luis Ruiz family in San Andres. Photograph by Shauna Leff

DK: Could you give me a brief synopsis of your own story so far?

MA: Professionally, I’ve had a great career working in film and video for over 25 years. I started out as a film editor then learned to produce and direct videos. At the same time, I worked as a freelance writer and puppeteer and taught film, video and animation. Plus I love dancing and traveling. Since teaching video and animation in college full-time, I’ve focused on making video art and documentaries. An eclectic background all tied together by a devotion to motion!

DK: You have traveled all over the world. What first drew you to the Huichol in particular? [Read more…]

The Glorious Art of José Benitez Sanchez

By

Undoubtedly the most colourful exhibition in Kyoto right now is the exhibition of Huichol yarn paintings at the Kampo Museum in Okazaki.

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of links between Mexico and Japan the Kampo museum is currently exhibiting the visionary art of the artist/shaman José Benitez Sanchez. I visited yesterday and was completely blown away by the gorgeous colours, the sense of joy and vitality, and the mystical energy that radiates from these images. I was given permission to take a photograph of just one picture so I chose this one. [Read more…]