michael lambe

The Ｆｒｅｎｃｈ artist Philippe Goulier (AKA: Mouhl Al Wahid) will have an exhibition of his works at his atelier in Kyoto from September 23rd to October 9th. This is Part Two of a recent interview we had on MSN Messenger. Today he talks more about Japan and about his exhibition.

michael: Why are you in Kyoto anyway? What brought you here?
Mouhl Al Wahid: I won’t tell the official story…
But since I am a kid I have always been attracted by Asia, especially China, Korea, Japan…
Culture, religion, philosophy…
In London most of my friends where Japanese, Knowing I loved culture and History, they told me I should go to Kyoto… that was 2 and a half years ago
michael: now that you’re here, what do you like most about this city?
Mouhl Al Wahid: people
michael: great answer
why?
Mouhl Al Wahid: Because I am not japanese
Once my Go game teacher told me : ” Go game is not just a game, if you understand this game, then you will understand Japan ”. And when you realise how complex is that game… you just can fall in love with the people
paradoxical, complexity
everyday I wake up thinking I understand their behaviour, and everynight I go to bed knowing that, NO I will never understand
michael: hahaha
Mouhl Al Wahid: everyday is a new experience, GREAT !
don’t you think so ?
this is why they are beautiful
2 worlds
michael: Yeah, I guess I like the feeling of something new every day… that’s why Korea was so fresh and exciting for me this summer…. anyway… Tell me about the house you are living in now. It’s an interesting place right?

Mouhl Al Wahid: I moved there in November last year, many other residents are like me, creative people. …and the landlord is nice and comprehensive ( but kyoto people , you never know really )
it’s a very narrow street with 100 years old machiyas
michael: And that’s where you are going to hold your next exhibition so can you say something about that?
Mouhl Al Wahid: I have decided to do it at home, of course it is a small place and I won’t be able to show all of my stuff, but it’s a good opportunity to make this street a social place.
So people who come to see my work might want to see the work of the other residents
it will be on th 23rd of september until 9th of October - 11:00 to 19:00

michael: does the exhibition have a theme?
Mouhl Al Wahid: The theme is Kyoto.
Things I think I’ll remember of my stay here when I am old…

To be continued…

Philippe’s upcoming exhibition. will be held at his atelier north of Gojo from September 23rd to October 9th　- 11:00 to 19:00

(See previous post for directions on how to get there.)