Christopher Joshua BENTON

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Christopher Joshua BENTON

Participating Project	International Creator Residency Program (Individual Projects)
Activity Based	Portsmouth (United States) / Abu Dhabi
City / Place stayed	Tokyo
Period	2025.1 - 2025.3

Purpose of the residency

I am researching the history of the oceanic pearl trade that connects the Arabian Gulf to Japan and Africa through its intersection with global identities and migration. This will result in plans for exhibition, including film and installation.

Plan during the residency

• Archival research with Mikimoto
• Ethnographic research in Hayama
• Research trip Ago Bay
• Research trip to Mikimoto Pearl Island
• Research trip Mikimoto Tatoku Pearl Farm

Activities during the residency

He explored pearl commodity culture in Japan and the UAE through fieldwork and ethnographies.
He also collected ceramics depicting “foreignness” in Japan, especially of Black people.
Alongside found objects, he plans works inspired by an improbable love story between an African pearl diver from the UAE and a Japanese ama (female diver). His research connects histories of trade, identity, and cross-cultural encounters.

Outcome of the residency

Through this residency I have been able to extend my understanding of various histories and micro-histories, to think through connections between UAE (where I live) and Japan. I have expanded my network of friends by meeting various curators, artists, and academics so that I can set up future collaborations and exhibitions opportunities. I was able to engage in field work, site visits, archival / museum research, and connect with prestigious institutions. I’ve also been able to connect with the local ballroom and dance scenes by attending “balls” and classes on MC / vocal commentary. I’ve also attended workshops in kintsugi. I hope that my research into Japanese pearling will amount to future exhibitions and encounters between the Gulf States and Japan for the development of art installations and critical research, in order to fill the gaps in the archive.

Creator Information