Yutaro Takemoto

1.53 The Idea of Almsgiving and Art Education (Paper)

Yutaro Takemoto – Akita University of Art, Akita city, Japan

Abstract:

In Japan, the concept of ‘Modern art’ was established during the Meiji period (1868–1912) as part of the Europeanisation policy. By separating it from other aspects of life, ‘Modern art’ was established as a high culture. However, before the Meiji period, Art was closely related to people’s lives, including the pauper. Many paupers made their living by ‘Folk art’ (dancing, showing their tricks and handiwork). The system of ‘Kanjin’ supported the entertainment of ‘Folk art’ by the pauper. The term ‘Kanjin’ refers to donations made by Buddhist believers to temples, or to events organised by temples to collect donations. Against the background of this culture of almsgiving, the pauper showed their art to earn wages and food. This system of ‘Kanjin’ nurtured ‘Folk art’, which led to today’s Kabuki, Joruri, etc. However, the Meiji government oppressed the system of ‘Kanjin’. And a new society was conceived. The presenter, Takemoto is a sculptor specializing in classical Japanese technique. I also consider the question: why do we make something to live for? I tried to clarify this question by knowing what ‘Modern art’ or ‘Sculpture’ has ever excluded. In this presentation, I will focus on the disappearance of ‘Kanjin’ and the idea of Almsgiving, which supported art. This presentation will consider what was lost from art because of the elimination of the idea of Almsgiving. Originally, art was created in life and culture. However, modern art education considers artmaking as a personal activity, independent of relationships. As an example of ‘art of the people’, the presenter has studied the architectural relief called ‘Kotee (Meaning plaster relief with a trowel)’. The art was created by the plasterer as a response to the almsgiving of clients. Referring to these examples, this presentation will consider what art education has overlooked until now.