Speculative Library

The exhibition serves as a platform for gathering knowledge and ideas and generating wisdom from all over the world.

In recent years, YCAM has been discussing the 'value' of art in daily life and developing attempts to explore the potential of art centres as 'places of learning', including an exhibition by the Indonesian-based artist collective Serrum in 2021.This exhibition is a development of previous attempts. Starting from a large dome inthe foyer of the exhibition venue, seven programmes are constantly being developed, in which visitors' knowledge, memories and ideas are drawn out, stored and exchanged and can be freely participated in. Several other events, such as workshops, will also be held during the exhibition.

Exhibition as a place of learning where ideas and knowledge are shared and nurtured.

The foyer, which serves as the venue for this exhibition, has mechanisms for recording visitors' 'knowledge', 'memories' and 'ideas', as well as functions for sharing them. These encourage creative exchanges between visitors, ranging from matters related to Yamaguchi City, where YCAM is located, to personal problems and social issues. The exhibition will function as a platform where diverse values and knowledge can be accumulated and shared.

MEETING DOME (BAMBOO DOME)

An open space that can be used freely for reading, working, or even group discussion. Users can also borrow the space for a certain period.

PLAYFUL RADIO STATION

A space where visitors can create radio programmes and record their conversations; YCAM staff also use this space to record their original internet radio show, 'YCAM Guru Guru Radio'.

MEMORY QUEST

A game-like installation in which the users will take a pseudo-walk through a virtual world formed by other citizens' memories and reminiscences. *Some part of this feature is available in English

VOICE LIBRARY

A special system that utilises AI to record the user's voice about their knowledge, memories, and ideas. The system will do a real-time transcript and print out the stories, which will then be collected as common material.*Some part of this feature is available in English

ARTE ÚTIL ARCHIVEThe Arte Útil Archive brings together case studies of artworks matching the definition of “useful art,” developed by artist Tania Bruguera and the founders of Asociación de Arte Útil. The archive comprises more than 500 case studies from various periods and regions. YCAM selected several archives related to Yamaguchi's social situation for this iteration.*Some part of this feature is available in English

EVERYWHERE ART APPRECIATION

Artworks collected from local artists and citizens are displayed and loaned out. When they return the artwork, they are invited to share their memories of it and its usefulness.

RE: MAP 'Yamaguchi City'.

How do we understand our city? We provide a simple activity in the venue that will ask the user to write down their memories about various places in the cities and create a shared memory map that could provide an alternative to imagining our place of living.