Category Archives: Stories

Ancient and Contemporary Japanese Kites Take Flight in Italy for ‘One Sky One World’ Peace Festival

Japanese Kite | ARTEVENTO

The internationally renowned ARTEVENTO Festival, the world’s longest-running kite festival, is making its vibrant return to Cervia, Italy, from October 11 to 22, 2024. This year’s autumn event, One Sky One World – Festival of Kites for Peace, promises to deliver a captivating 12-day celebration, blending the artistry of kite flying with a rich array of cultural and educational activities.

The festival’s special highlight for 2024 is the exhibition Around the World in 80 Kites – Japan Special, a tribute to Japan’s rich kite-making heritage and a testament to ARTEVENTO’s enduring global cultural significance.

ARTEVENTO – Aquilone Aristide Prandelli – Photo by Wolfgang Bieck

The festival’s centerpiece, hosted at the historic Magazzino del Sale Torre, will feature an unprecedented exhibition dedicated to both ancient and contemporary Japanese kites. Organized under the sponsorship of the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Japanese Institute of Culture in Italy, and the AIMSC (Italian Association of Printing and Paper Museums), the event underscores ARTEVENTO’s long-standing role in promoting kites as an “intangible heritage of humanity.”

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This year’s festival is especially significant, marking the twinning of ARTEVENTO’s Kite Museum with the Tako no Hakubutsukan Museum in Tokyo. This cultural partnership celebrates the acquisition of a unique collection of traditional Nagoya kites, a rare gift from Japanese kite master Masaaki Sato.

His distinctive “koryu dako” kite, crafted in the shape of an insect, exemplifies the fusion of art and environmental symbolism, reflecting themes of biodiversity and sustainability. This rare collection, originally destined for Nagoya, will now find a permanent home in Europe thanks to the passion and dedication of ARTEVENTO’s artistic director, Caterina Capelli.

Traditional Nagoya Kites by Masaaki Sato

Additionally, the festival will feature over 20 works donated by Masaaki Modegi, President of the Japan Kite Association and Director of the Tokyo Kite Museum. These significant contributions, along with works from other masters, will be exhibited in the evocative setting of the Magazzino del Sale, further cementing ARTEVENTO’s role as a global hub for kite culture and artistry.

The exhibition will also explore Japan’s centuries-old kite traditions, focusing on the craftsmanship and philosophy behind kite-making. Visitors will gain insight into the materials, such as bamboo and washi paper, that are central to this ancient practice. The exhibition, which emphasizes environmental sustainability, is designed to be an educational experience, with plans to become a touring showcase for broader international audiences.

Japanese Kite | ARTEVENTO

Beyond the exhibition, the festival is brimming with activities. A key highlight will be the Parade for Peace on October 13, organized in partnership with the PerugiAssisi Foundation. This event aligns with ARTEVENTO’s recent commitment to the global peace movement, encouraging collective creativity and community action around the theme of kites as symbols of peace, freedom, and environmental stewardship.

Japanese Kite | ARTEVENTO

The festival, open to the public with free admission, promises an immersive experience for all ages, combining artistry, heritage, and a powerful message of global unity. For more information on workshops, guided tours, and the festival’s complete schedule, visit www.artevento.com


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Story submitted by Culturalia. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News

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Who is Joanna Li: A Journey of Emotional Expression Through Art

Joanna Li
Joanna Li

BY MARK ANDERSON

Joanna Li, a Taiwanese artist born in Taipei in 1997, is captivating the art world with her ability to seamlessly blend natural and urban elements into emotionally powerful narratives. Now based in London, where she moved seven years ago, Joanna graduated from the prestigious University of the Arts London. Her artistic journey spans from photography to watercolor painting, continuously pushing boundaries and breaking new ground.

Reflecting on her time in London, Joanna recalls her early days, describing how the unfamiliarity of a new city left her feeling lost and disconnected. “When I first arrived in London, I was overwhelmed by a sense of loneliness on my first day at school. But knowing my parents fully supported my dream kept me going,” she said. Her determination, fueled by a deep love for art, carried her through, leading her to develop her own distinctive style. Guided by the inspiration of her teachers and the cultural richness of the city, she began to channel her innermost emotions through her creations.

Joanna Li, Time Made, Collage, 2020
Joanna Li, Time Made, Collage, 2020

Inspiration and Cultural Influence


Joanna’s creative process is deeply rooted in the everyday moments that surround her. Whether it’s the bustling streets of London or the quiet details of life, she finds inspiration everywhere. Her work transcends mere visual beauty, as each piece resonates on an emotional level, offering more than just an aesthetic experience. “I have always believed that art is a form of communication that transcends cultures and languages,” Joanna reflects. This belief has become the foundation of her work, which strives to connect with viewers on a deeper, more emotional plane.

Joanna Li, Winter, Illustration, 2021
Joanna Li, Winter, Illustration, 2021

The Emotional Blend in Photography


In her photography, Joanna Li has mastered the use of contrast and composition as key tools for emotional storytelling. “Contrast and composition speak their own language,” she explains. “They reveal the story and atmosphere behind each photo.” Her work goes beyond the surface, drawing viewers into a world of feeling, where colors and textures communicate the underlying emotions of each scene.

One of her standout pieces, ‘The Present Moment’, exemplifies this. Displayed at The Holy Art Gallery in London, the photograph employs unique exposure and double-layered effects, creating a dreamlike quality that invites the viewer to explore layers of time, memory, and emotion.

Joanna Li, The Present Moment, Photography, 2021
Joanna Li, The Present Moment, Photography, 2021

Watercolor Paintings: Color as a Language


Beyond photography, Joanna’s emotional expression extends into painting. In her watercolor work ‘Crescendo’, she uses architecture as her central subject, capturing the essence of public spaces with fluid lines and vibrant colors. Her ability to convey both emotional and visual complexity speaks to her mastery of form and color, which she uses to create not only aesthetically pleasing pieces but also deeply emotional experiences. Each brushstroke is infused with meaning, inviting viewers to feel as much as they see.

Joanna Li, Crescendo, Watercolor, 2021
Joanna Li, Crescendo, Watercolor, 2021

International Recognition and Future Endeavors


Joanna’s art has garnered attention on a global scale. She has participated in group exhibitions across Brazil, London, and the United States, winning multiple art awards along the way. Her work has been celebrated in media outlets around the world, and she remains committed to her artistic evolution. “Art is a road with no end. I hope to find my own artistic language through continuous exploration and experimentation,” she said, emphasizing her dedication to innovation.

Joanna Li, Crescendo, Watercolor, 2021
Joanna Li, Crescendo, Watercolor, 2021

Looking ahead, Joanna has ambitious plans for the future. Her new series, ‘Nature and People’, explores the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world, a theme that resonates deeply with her. She hopes this body of work will inspire greater appreciation for nature and its connection to humanity.

Additionally, Joanna is planning a global touring exhibition in the coming years, allowing her to reach new audiences and continue to share her vision. Through her work, she aims to spread positive energy, connecting with viewers across cultural and linguistic barriers.

Joanna Li, Somewhere in Time, Photography, 2022
Joanna Li, Somewhere in Time, Photography, 2022

Joanna Li’s artistic journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and a deep understanding of emotion. Whether through the lens of a camera or the strokes of a brush, her work speaks directly to the soul, leaving a lasting impression on those who encounter it.


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