Peacemaking Rocket Workshop in Tanegashima: Utilization of Space Art in Society
- Paper number
IAC-13,E1,8,3,x17170
- Author
Ms. Yuri Tanaka, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, Japan
- Year
2013
- Abstract
Findings from the cosmological principle have been widely utilized both in a peaceful way and in a militaristic way. However, such findings haven’t been well practiced as a form of space art in our culture. Based on a conception of pacific cosmology of Albert Einstein and R. Buckminster Fuller, I will examine how space art can contribute to peacemaking in our society. Specifically, I will show the design of the workshop for the purpose of developing a peacemaking tool to enlighten people to have a cosmic perspective through space art. A regional cooperation model, which has been developed by Fram Kitagawa in Japan since 1995, was applied to this project. It is a site-specific method through making art works with local people and volunteers. Our project was held in Tanegashima, where coexisting the cutting-edge technology and the deep nature makes it the world's most beautiful rocket range. This island displays an exceptional case in the world that the local residents feel the space being closely rooted in the local culture. With such background, local governments and entities, JAXA, and I worked together to conduct the “Peacemaking Rocket Workshop.” In the first stage of the workshop, with elementary school students, we discussed how to achieve peace from the cosmic view and what we could do to support the goal by utilizing a rocket. Inspired by the students' creative ideas, the participating children and adults worked together to depict those ideas in the form of object art of unique rockets, which we had never seen before. Finally, those works were presented in the local festival called “Rocket Festival” and were later exhibited as public art in the park. The result of the questionnaire taken with the object of researching how the children’s mind being affected by the workshop confirmed that their mind has been more keen toward "peace". According to their answers, they began to think about peace in society beyond any boundaries on the earth. With these findings, our project members have agreed with proceeding “Tanegashima Space Art Festival” in 5 years ahead. In conclusion, this project shows that using space art as a peacemaking tool through deeper understanding of the cosmology effectively works in society. However, further development of the utilization method of space art has to be sustainably pursued. If the idea of the peaceful cosmic view becomes more familiar in our society, seeds of peace will gradually flourish.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-13,E1,8,3,x17170.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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