The Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Kyushu is a peaceful, tranquillity-filled spot detached from the bustle of big cities like Fukuoka, a half-hour drive away. It has been a place of worship since it was built on the grave of Michizane Sugawara, a beloved high-ranking Heian Period official who died in exile there more than 1,000 years ago. But a young priest is giving the centuries-old shrine a new face by mixing traditions and contemporary art.
The Dazaifu Tenmangu Museum has dozens of mostly historic items from the shrine's 50,000-piece art, antiques and book collection, which includes one National Treasure and 1,385 Important Cultural Properties. But a small gallery inside the museum has been, since March 3, showing a new installation titled "unify," with photos by Maiko Haruki (b. 1974). It is the third exhibition of the shrine's new contemporary art program, the brainchild of the vice chief priest Nobuhiro Nishitakatsuji, 26.
While studying art history at the University of Tokyo before he enrolled in the graduate studies program to study Shinto at Kokuga- kuin University, Nishitakatsuji organized art exhibitions at the university's museums. Enthralled with Tokyo's budding art scene, when he returned home to Kyushu to serve the shrine two years ago, he brought his penchant for the cutting-edge art home.