16 March 2011
Towner’s Tomoaki Suzuki exhibition proved to be a huge hit with visitors, with the Japanese sculptor’s tiny lifelike figures putting a smile on the face of everyone who entered the gallery!
Visitors were able to step into the artist’s world and get to know the artworks further through a series of events for all ages – each one of which, was full to capacity.
Towner welcomed nearly a thousand visitors over the course of Tomoaki Suzuki weekend, with people flocking to the gallery to enjoy talks, free film screenings and a special family day with artist Jane Henderson, where children created their own miniature figures in 2D and 3D. Places for the wood carving demonstrations by Suzuki himself were particularly in demand, with Towner having to programme a second session after the first sold out instantly.
The buzz continued over the half term holiday, with over 2,800 visitors through the doors. Both children’s workshops with artist Rachel Cohen were full to capacity, with the children enjoying making their own kimonos and warrior armour out of paper with a 20th century twist.
Club Tokyo on the closing weekend of the exhibition provided a fitting and fabulous finale – again this event was sold out to capacity, with all 250 tickets sold before the doors had opened. Club-goers came in vibrant and colourful dress – with costumes ranging from Harajuku girls to Samurai warriors, manga characters and even figures from the exhibition.
Entertainment was provided by DJs, a live backing band providing J-pop style karaoke and traditional Japanese musicians. Film and neon projections created a Tokyo street atmosphere, and the miniature "gig-in-a-box" added an innovative touch – one performer to one audience member, with the results projected for all to see. Free sushi by Moshi Moshi and beer by Asahi completed a Japanese cultural experience that stimulated all the senses.
Towner’s Exhibition Gallery is now closed briefly for exhibition changeover but visitors can still enjoy collection display Here, there, everywhere in the dedicated Collection Gallery. The Tomoaki Suzuki exhibition will be followed by the UK premiere of a new body of work by painter Elizabeth Magill, opening 26 March, and a week later sees the launch of the East Sussex Open 2011 when Towner is once again pleased to showcase the best of local artists and makers.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, and Bank Holiday Mondays, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
