POV Season 35 Episode 5 Winter's Yearning

In "Winter's Yearning," the sixth episode of season 35 of POV, viewers are taken on a journey through the snowy landscape of northern Japan to explore the traditional art of Echigo-Tsumari. The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial is a massive outdoor art exhibition that takes place every three years in the rural region of Niigata Prefecture, Japan. The exhibition features the works of over 350 artists from both Japan and around the world and covers 200 kilometers of the landscape.

This episode follows renowned American artist Spencer Finch as he travels to Japan for the first time to create his own installation for the exhibition. Finch is known for creating works that explore the interplay between light, color, and nature, and his installation in Japan is no different. He aims to create a piece that evokes the feeling of experiencing a snowy landscape while also paying homage to the natural beauty of the region.

Viewers are also introduced to the local people and artists who live and work in the Echigo-Tsumari region. They explain how the triennial exhibition has brought new life to their community and helped to revitalize the area, which was once struggling economically.

Throughout the episode, the focus shifts between Finch's creative process and the stories of the locals whose lives have been impacted by the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial. Through interviews with artists, curators, and residents, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the importance of art and culture in revitalizing rural communities.

As the triennial draws to a close and Finch's installation is revealed to the public, viewers are left with a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of the art and the landscape it is set against. "Winter's Yearning" is a moving tribute to the power of art to transform lives and communities.