Contemporary art brings a multiplicity and diversity of views, encourages dialogue, and when least expected can unexpectedly move us.

Biennales and triennales today are growing in number while becoming multi-centric, diverse in their purpose and increasingly interested in engaging across art forms and disciplines. The title “Islands, Constellations and Galapagos” opens up various possibilities on reflecting on Japan while also contemplating how Japan connects with the world through contemporary art. Today art connects, more than ever, to issues about societies, cultures and histories. It brings a multiplicity and diversity of views which often expand and challenge. And I believe it enables and encourages dialogue when least expected and invariably, perhaps unexpectedly, moves us.

Suhanya RAFFEL