The museum in human society is the stick insect of the ecosystem. That is because in first glance, there is no idea of what usefulness they have. A stick insect is my favorite insect, which feed on leaves, and mimics itself into a branch to hide from their enemies, but holds and role (in the ecosystem is called “niche”) by eating the leaves hastening the renewal of the forest.

A museum usually, might be thought as what benefit it has to the human society, yet it is not so. Contemporary art especially is created in a purpose of breaking down the preconceived ideas and present a new way of seeing things, with the viewers of the work discussing, and making a judgment from their own standard leads to the birth of “Active Citizenship”, not being shaken by the wrongs of the ones with power is the foundation of a society with peace. In short, a museum in human society longing for peace holds an important “niche” role. In order to play a part in that role, we, think about blending with the green nature of Karuizawa, hold exhibitions to break down the authoritarianism that the museum is likely to fall for by communicating with the viewers, and feel the true joy of contemporary art together.

President of the Sezon Museum of Modern Art
Takao Tsutsumi