Participating Artists | British Council

People standing in front of the main sanctuary of Naiku — The artists in front of the main sanctuary of Naiku. ©
Ise City, British Council Photo by Hakubun Sakamoto

Six artists that span the artforms reflecting the current diversity of UK creativity were selected to take part in the Ise City Residency. For some this was their first visit to Japan, while others had been studying Japanese culture for a while. But for all the artists this was the first visit to Ise City.

Introducing the artists and their stories from the residency

A person who thinks with a face on a wooden pillar

Grace Boyle

Artist and storyteller working at the intersection of art and science. During the residency, Grace measured the wind and the humidity and collected scent samples everywhere she went.

Season Butler

Artist, dramaturg, and researcher. Season had been studying Japanese culture for the last few years so the residency was an opportunity to gain something beyond knowledge through experience.

Matthew Rosier

Installation artist who creates works that respond to the nature of each individual “place”. Matthew was inspired by the Shinto philosophy and architectural approaches he encountered in Ise.

Duncan Speakman

Composer and sound artist who creates pieces using mobile audio media. During the residency, Duncan collected all kinds of sounds from around Ise with his microphone.

A woman looking at sake barrels dedicated at the shrine

Nicole Vivien Watson

Choreographer and performer. Nicole is currently studying an MA in Japanese society and culture at SOAS. She held a dance workshop with a group of deaf people in Suzuka City during her stay.

Jane and Louise Wilson

Identical twin sisters working collaboratively as an artist duo. While in Ise, they discovered some unexpected connections with South Korea, which they had previously visited.