This September, Shimokitazawa welcomes the return of its lunar art festival that will coincide with the upcoming full moon. Back for its third edition in 2024, Moon Art Night Shimokita will span several venues in the neighbourhood, including the basement of Setagaya-Daita Station, the open space in front of Shimokitazawa Station east exit, the rooftop of Higashi-Kitazawa Station, and the Bonus Track complex.
Exhibits include an outdoor moon installation by UK artist Luke Jerram, whose giant floating model features striking details of the moon’s surface as captured by Nasa. This particular installation – titled 'Museum of the Moon' – is set to be on show every day at the vacant lot of the Shimokita Senrogai complex.
The festival is also hosting Tasmania-based artist Amanda Parer again this year, whose luminous inflatables of white rabbits will be installed in the vacant lot near Shimokitazawa Shotengai shopping street. Rabbits are not native to Australia; they have wreaked havoc on the island's ecosystem ever since they were imported by European colonists in the 18th century. Here, Parer uses them as a metaphor in her art to represent the ‘elephant in the room’ pertaining to the growing environmental crises.
A new addition this year, Sydney-based design studio Atelier Sisu is participating with a colourful installation reminiscent of a moonbow (rainbow created from moonlight), titled 'Elysian Arcs'. The giant inflatable arches will be on display at the Bonus Track complex.
Aside from the free art exhibits, the festival will also feature several cultural activities and pop-ups. Several shops around Shimokitazawa Station will also offer full moon-inspired food and beverages and limited-edition products during the festival.
Note: the rooftop of Higashi-Kitazawa Station and the underground area of Setagaya-Daita Station are paid venues.