Exhibition Overview
Exhibition Period: March 2, 2025 (Sun) – March 23, 2025 (Sun), 12:00 – 18:00
Closed on Mondays
Admission: Free
Venue: Gallery 6B01, B1, Bldg 6, Tokyo Polytechnic University, Nakano Campus
This exhibition, Tales after Forced Eviction: Home, Resilience, Return, and Reconstruction, focuses on the residents of Mukuru Kwa Njenga, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, who were forcibly evicted from their homes by the authorities but returned to rebuild their lives and homes. The exhibition consists of two projects, Materiality of Lives and Rebuilding Home and Dignity, which highlight the resilience and creativity of the residents while also addressing critical issues such as land use, poverty, and urban governance.
The exhibition is the result of collaboration among experts from various fields, including art, anthropology, architecture, and politics. While informal settlements are often discussed from a "support and aid" perspective, this exhibition aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between people, their homes, and society through the lens of resident-driven rebuilding. It also seeks to resonate with issues of disaster recovery and regional revitalization in Japan, offering perspectives that encourage reflection on sustainable societies and global human rights challenges.
Project Team
Experts in art, anthropology, architecture, and political science focusing on Kenya came together to discuss what could be said about life in informal settlements, using the forced evictions in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Nairobi, as a starting point. They also explored possibilities for collaboration. As a result, a truly interdisciplinary project team was formed.
Project 1
Materiality of Lives
-86 materials, 27 elements and 4 lives
This work restructures the materials and elements of rebuilt houses, showcasing how residents creatively adapted limited resources to recreate their living environments and pride of their lives. Through confronting materials and elements, we are going to understand about the lives after the forced eviction.
Production Members
Project 2
Rebuilding Home and Dignity
This project follows the journey of residents in Mukuru Kwa Njenga who were forcibly evicted, documenting their return to the original land, the rebuilding of their homes, and the resumption of their daily lives.
Through video interviews with residents, we trace their stories in a chronological manner, focusing on the eviction and exploring where they came from, where they are headed (or whether they choose to remain in Mukuru). Additionally, 360-degree panoramic photographs are used to capture the interior and exterior spaces of the homes, creating a virtual tour system. These tours integrate the residents' interview videos, allowing viewers to explore the living spaces while listening to the personal accounts of the residents.
Production Members
Yasushi Noguchi, Wakana Shiino, Saori Imoto, Kithinji Kinyua
Talk Events
No reservation required
Admission Free
March 8, 2025 (Sat.), 15:00~17:00
People and Homes: Rebuilding after Forced Eviction
A home is not merely a physical space but a vital place that nurtures personal dignity and identity. This talk will focus on the "rebuilt homes" of residents in informal settlements, delving into the relationship between people and their dwellings. It explores how individuals strive to create a comfortable living space for themselves, and how homes support their daily lives, provide a sense of belonging, and shape cultural and familial bonds.
March 22, 2025 (Sat.), 13:00~15:00
Homes and Urban Policy: Social Challenges Reflected in Informal Settlements
The process of rebuilding homes by residents in informal settlements highlights critical issues in urban policies, such as land use, redevelopment, and residents' rights. This talk will examine the structural contradictions and social inequalities inherent in urban policy, using the reconstruction efforts of residents following forced evictions as a case study. Additionally, starting with the example of Mukuru, the discussion will explore connections to contemporary urban challenges in Japan, such as urban redevelopment and the problem of vacant houses.
Note 1: Project members will join the discussions on both March 8 and March 22.
Note 2: Event details and guest speakers are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest updates.
Concept Book
As the third project of this exhibition, we are producing a concept book to provide a deeper insight into its purpose and content. It will be distributed free of charge to visitors during the exhibition period.
Access
Subway: Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Toei Oedo Line – Get off at Nakano-sakaue Station.
Approximately 11 minutes on foot.
Exit from Exit 1, proceed along Yamate-dori towards Hatsudai and Ohashi, and turn right just before Ishida Paper Store.
