AFAF AWARD powered by E.SUN BANK｜To everyone who applied

Thank you very much to all the artists who submitted works to the recent open competition “AFAF AWARD powered by E.SUN BANK.”
To the artists who unfortunately did not make it this time, here’s a message from AFAF AWARD Stepping Stone judge, Daisuke Miyazu.

To the artists who submitted works to the AFAF AWARD Stepping Stone but unfortunately did not make it:
My name is Daisuke Miyazu, and I’ve been appointed to serve as a judge for the Stepping Stone section of the AWARD.
Some of you have sent me direct mail asking for advice on how to guide your future activities.
To be fair, I’d like to share a few words with you here.
We received over 800 applications this time, and the judges and I did our utmost to thoroughly review them in order to meet your enthusiasm.
As is often the case when judging for awards and grants, there is always a tight or narrow gap between successful and unsuccessful submissions.

Often, the difference between success and failure among the many submissions is a fine line.
“Contemporary art” is a Japanese translation of “Contemporary Art,” with contemporarily meaning “of the same era” in addition to “present day.”
At least, I believe there is a big difference between artworks simply produced in the present and so-called “contemporary art.” This difference lies in whether or not they embody contemporaneity, or, more specifically, whether or not they offer keen insight into current global affairs.

I believe that the works submitted by all artists are the result of each artist’s unique perspective on the world and their use of their own creativity and skill to visualize the essence that lies beyond. Surely, truly moving “contemporary art” can only be created by gazing at our chaotic world and continuing to create art every day, without losing one’s individuality?

Please do not be discouraged by the results this time, and take a new step forward from here.
We sincerely hope that we will have the opportunity to see new masterpieces next time.

Photo：Tadayuki Minamoto

Daisuke Miyatsu(Art Collector, Professor of Yokohama University of Art and Design)