Entering the second half of 2020, as things gradually reopen we are acclimating to new realities. At art venues, as of this writing these include some measures that can feel like improvements over life "B.C.," like restrictions on crowding, and others that do not, like limiting admission to residents of a certain prefecture. But whether in times of crisis or not, there are works of public art we can enjoy without entering a venue at all. While attending exhibitions remains more onerous than it was, now's the time to take a fresh look around at art we may be taking for granted. more...

As we enter the month of July 2020, it comes as some relief that our daily lives are returning to normal even as we continue our coexistence with the COVID-19 virus. While the pandemic has brought many hardships and inconveniences, it has also inspired us to find new possibilities we can realize through our own perseverance and adaptability. For example, in normal times this article would ideally be introducing a current architectural exhibition in Japan. However, in the spirit of seeking new ways to navigate through our socially distanced lives, I find myself challenged to search for other means by which we can discover and learn about architecture. In the absence of organized events, one alternative to studying Japanese architecture though museum exhibitions is simply to walk around and observe our surroundings. more...