Thinking about different ways to meet and communicate through various methods and tools

The TURN art project generates artistic expression from encounters that transcend “differences.” In TURN meetings, we think about and discuss possibilities for the TURN project together with a range of guests. Now that the very idea of people gathering is being called into question due to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19),for the eleventh TURN meeting we offer the opportunity for deeper insight into diverse communication methods, the relationships between people these methods generate, and the possibilities for those relationships.

In the first half, TURN supervisor Katsuhiko Hibino will talk about the TURN philosophy and approach to dealing with the changes in today’s social conditions and living environment. He will also provide a look at “TURN on the EARTH:I am an echo of the earth,” an exhibition introducing overseas activities developed alongside encounters with different communities and people, as well as discussing innovations and insights with regard to communication using AR (Augmented Reality)and other technologies.
The second half will feature our guest Atsushi Mori, who has been researching communication with deafblind people and deafblind support that uses ICT (information and communications technology). Deafblind-born Mori uses a range of communication methods in his everyday life, such as tactile sign language and electro-mechanical devices for displaying braille characters, Braille terminals and Braille displays. Mori has also fostered dialogue with the help of people like interpreters and supporters. For this TURN meeting, Mori and Hibino’s discussion will explore communication through a variety of methods and the possibilities it holds. The talks will ask fundamental questions about communication with people; how people accept others and attempt to communicate when they meet each other, when they acknowledge others, and when there is physical distance between them. You can also look forward to a performance by Madame Bonjour JohnJ in the break between talks.

For this year’s online TURN meeting, we strive as ever to make the event accessible by utilizing new media and technology, such as sign language, speech-to-text support and audio guides.

＊This event will conducted in Japanese.