By Yumi Iwasaki | Project Leader
Greetings from the Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels!
Today, we would like to share a message from the director, Takashi Arai. He has been working very hard to create this Virtual Tour film. He shares his thoughts and appreciation for your support.
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Thank you so much for all of your support in creating the virtual tour of the Maruki Gallery.
This virtual tour is not a typical virtual experience using AR gear. We aim to offer an experience to visit the Gallery cinematically through the eyes of 17-year-old protagonist called Yukina.
This film consists of four parts:
1. Encounters of the protagonist and the artists who have a close connection with the Maruki Gallery
2. Phantasmagorias inspired by some of the Hiroshima Panels
3. Interviews with individuals involved in the Maruki Gallery
4. High-resolution images of the Hiroshima Panels
I remember my first visit to the Maruki Gallery clearly. One summer day, I walked from the train station to get to the Gallery. After 40 minutes of walking, a view of the Toki River spread out in front of my eyes and it captivated me. I entered the unique gallery building which was repeatedly expanded over the years. The Hiroshima Panels were exhibited side by side, within arm’s reach. An encounter with the works of the Marukis is unlike any other experience with a painting. It is a rather multi-dimensional experience in which you get shaken and swayed by emotion. I hope this film will be an opportunity to give you a glance of the experience and eventually lead to a visit to the Gallery.
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Because you made this virtual tour possible, let us share a link to the presentation video so that you can have a sneak-peek of the film! (Please click HERE - Please note that this video is unofficial and for your eyes only!)
Most of this presentation video is only in Japanese, but it should give you a feel for the upcoming film. It shows the 17 year-old protagonist Yukina, who is studying to be an art university student. She learns about the Hiroshima Panels and decides to visit the Maruki Gallery.
It offers the explanation about the 4 elements of the film and samples. The lady in #2 is Hisako Maruki, niece of the Marukis, and #3 is part of an interview with Mr. John Junkerman (in English). Mr. Junkerman filmed “Hellfire: A Journey from Hiroshima,” a portrait of the Marukis in 1986, which was nominated for an Academy Award.
Thanks to supporters like you, we have successfully reached our initial goal of 10,000 USD during the first month of fundraising. However, having so much to show and so many stories to tell about the Maruki Gallery, the film became twice as long as we had originally planned (it was 20 minutes and now approx. 50 minutes), which means we need a bigger budget. We would be very grateful if you could keep spreading the word to your friends and family to fund the entire film.
Thank you again for all of your support! We will keep you posted on our progress!
With gratitude,
Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels
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