Exiting the tunnel was like coming out of a daydream and back into reality, a startling reminder of where I was and what I was doing when I wasn’t admiring odd space toilets in tunnels.
Journey through the Center of Light Echigo Tsumari Triennale Linka Wade (Gunma) Kiyotsu Gorge in Tokamachi, Niigata is one of the “Three Great Gorges of Japan” along with Kurobe Gorge in Toyoma and Osugidani Gorge in Mie. It was designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument in 1941, and was incorporated into Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park in 1949. The gorge has very distinctive geology, being one of the foremost places in Japan to see beautiful columnar jointing—a geological effect where cooled magma is pushed up to form stunning vertical pillars of rock. The gorge was closed to visitors in 1988 because of a deadly falling rocks incident, but was reopened when the Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel was completed in 1996. Visitors could use the tunnel to more safely enjoy the scenery of the valley. In 2018, the tunnel was revitalized by Chinese artist Ma Yansong. With the help of the MAD Architects group, the tunnel was transformed into a 750 meter long art installation and became the crown jewel of the Echigo-Yuzawa Art Field, which is also the site of the Echigo Tsumari Triennale being held now.
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“The Light Cave”
