walker art center empire of signs home day by day go to random tour live tokyo web cam


Date: 12/4/98 12:14 AM
Received: 12/4/98 8:35 PM
From: Philippe Vergne, philippe.vergne@walkerart.org
To: louis.mazza, louis.mazza@walkerart.org


Train to Nagoya. It is a train, full of "salary men", like myself. The Japanese train are very sophisticated. First they are very fast. Second, you use them like the subway. It is very easy. Third, one can buy sushi in the train for breakfast. and to end they have clean restroom. 2 kinds: Japanese style (I am still not used to it), and western style.

Arriving Nagoya for a lunch with Makiko Tsuda from Asahi Shimbun. She confirm me that her boss Akio Obigane is interested in Let's Entertain. Asahi Shimbun is the main news paper in Japan and they support shows for museum. She will organized a meeting with him in Tokyo next week.

 

Then I left Nagoya for Toyota City to see the Museum. Toyota City used to have an other name. But the changed the name because of the company. You might understand that this place is quite industrial. My good god. I have to say that it is a depressing place. Bad end of the week for Philippe. Anyway the museum itself is just beautiful. Designed by Tanaguchi (I'll check the spelling), who is commissioned for the new MoMA in NY. It is quite and beautiful. Modern without being orthodox. Modern with a touch of tea ceremony house style. I was very impressed. Had to leave, but I had there a vey usefull rest. It impressive how good architecture makes you feel better.

I left. Some school girls waved at me. Makes me feel better too. It is little stupid, but you have to understand what does it mean to be by youself in Toyota City on a gray day. Any friendly sign is a benediction.

Back to Nagoya to visit Ham Gallery. Kimio Ito Jinno and Satoko Hattori. Very nice people who offered me cheese, bier and wine. Very nice Kusam work in the gallery. Some gutai material. We discussed and I ran into a cab to visit another gallery.
The taxi droped me after half an hour driving, telling me it was the place. It was not. He droped me in the middle of nowhere. They do that some time when they can't find a place and also because the conversation was limited.
I was mad as I am very barely. But after a while I decided it was pretty funny. Like a Hal Hartley movie. It is part of the experience. So I cooled down. Took a train to my hotel and decided to go dinner.
Then, after being refused in 3 restaurants I have to admit that I forgot about Hal Hartley, about the experience, I lost humor and self control. I freaked out. Very bad. I forgot about dinner too and went back to my roomand watch TV.Very bad programs. Sleeping was the only option left, that night.