PARADISE HOUR 2025 March

“PARADISE HOUR” is an open-studio event to open the artists-in-residence program at PARADISE AIR.
This event was held by Valeriya Koptseva, Yuichiro Nakamura, and Pia Graf, who stayed in Matsudo from February to March 2025.

Valeriya Koptseva, who came to Japan from Ukraine through the “TOUCH JAPAN PROJECT” (*), fulfilling a long-held wish of over three years, conducted a workshop in which participants could freely move their bodies based on her dance experience. Participants experienced a non-choreographed dance in which they moved their bodies improvising through repeated contact with their partners while being aware of the weight on their own body parts and the sensations in their bodies.

Yuichiro Nakamura unveiled the online museum he created during his residency. He introduced the works and techniques of the 10 artists who are exhibiting there.

Pia Graf showed an animation work on the theme of “movement,” inspired by Japanese Butoh (dark dance) and featuring the artists who will share the residency in Matsudo. Intrigued by the publicity campaign using pocket tissues, a common practice in Japan, she distributed pocket tissues with the animation design to visitors.

Although the outdoor program was originally planned to be held at the Harusame Bridge Waterfront Plaza, due to the rainy weather on that day, the content was partially changed and the event was held inside the PARADISE AIR.

(*) This program is a collaboration of artist-in-residence programs throughout Japan to support artists whose creative activities have been affected by conflict and other factors.

PARADISE HOUR 2025 March

Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025
Time: 13:00 – 16:00 (Workshop 13:00- / Artist Talk 15:00-)
Participation: Free
Venue: PARADISE AIR Lounge, Hamatomo Building Entrance
Address: 15-4 Honmachi, Matsudo City MAP
Participating Artists: Valeriya Koptseva, Yuichiro Nakamura, Pia Graf
Cooperation: Sakagawa Nagaruru Project

13:00 Workshop “Free Movement Practice”

Artist: Valeriya Koptseva
Time: 13:00 – 14:30
Venue: PARADISE AIR Lounge
Language: English (Japanese assistance available)
How to participate: Make a reservation and gather at the venue at 13:00
Capacity: 15 people

Valeriya Koptseva, who is practicing as a dancer, will conduct a workshop titled “Free Movement Practice” to experience dance improvisation by freely moving the body. While including elements of stretching, participants will gradually move their bodies freely. Everyone is welcome to participate, from young children to adults, as well as those who wish to further broaden their interpretation of dance. Please wear comfortable clothes.

15:00 Artist Talk 《How to Boil an Egg Only a Leader Who Can Do It》

Artist: Yuichiro Nakamura
Time: 15:00 – 16:00
Venue: PARADISE AIR Lounge

During his residency, Yuichiro Nakamura established an online art museum by 10 artists. The exhibition will feature works of analog and digital art, video, and experimental music archived in the museum.

Permanent screening 《I am all that I have been》

Artist: Pia Graf
Time: 13:00 –
Venue:

①PARADISE AIR 5th floor
②Entrance of Hamatomo Building * Only ② can be seen until March 18 (Tuesday), 12:00

This animation depicts dance movements based on the performance of Valeriya Koptseva, who was in residence at the same time. It explores themes of trauma, self-fragmentation, and healing, and is influenced by Japanese Butoh, depicting imperfection. The animation will be shown on a loop on the signage at the Hamatomo Building Entrance until March 18 (Tuesday), after the event.