An adventure in cross-cultural creative collaboration

THE MOTO-CANVAS DIARIES:

A TALE OF TWO ISLANDS

Welcome to The Moto-Canvas Diaries: A Tale of Two Islands, a cross-cultural artistic journey that bridges Japan and the UK.

At it's heart, this project is about collaboration and exchange. By laying the foundations for an art residency program between Awaji and the Isle of Wight, we aim to strengthen Japan-Anglo relations through shared artistic dialogue.

Immersive workshops, collaborative exhibitions, and cultural exchanges will celebrate the deep narratives and natural beauty that these islands have to offer, inviting artists and communities to learn from one another and create together.

The Moto-Canvas Diaries: A Tale of Two Islands is not just an exploration of landscapes and legends—it’s a commitment to forging lasting connections and inspiring creative partnerships that transcend borders. Join us as we embark on this inspiring journey, where every brushstroke helps to build a bridge between cultures, and every collaborative moment paves the way for a vibrant future in international art exchange.

Colin Parker - Expedition & Adventure Artist / Studio Founder

“I started this project because I believe art has always been a passport to connection. Travelling to Awaji from the Isle of Wight, I realised two different cultures share a common heartbeat. This project is my way of building bridges through creative exchange, inspiring understanding, and forging lasting bonds between Japan and the UK.”

THE MOTO-CANVAS DIARIES: RIDING WITH RELEVANCE

A taste of Ukiyo-e adventure art on The Isle of Wight off the south coast of the UK.

Riding a restored classic Japanese motorcycle isn’t just a means of transport—it's an integral part of the artistic journey. For me, these bikes are moving works of art, embodying precision, freedom, and tradition. The incredible riding on Awaji Island and the Isle of Wight fuel and represent a passion for unbridled exploration, revealing otherwise inaccessible hidden landscapes and cultural treasures along every twist and turn.

But it’s not only about the ride. Our vibrant motorcycle community both in the UK and across Japan, far removed from the outdated image of antisocial biker gangs, is a testament to inclusivity, camaraderie, and creative spirit. Both Japan and Britain led the motorcycle world with their innovative and industrious designs and shared love for rideable art, bridging cultures and inspiring a new narrative of unity and adventure.

This project celebrates that very connection—melding art and the open road to forge lasting bonds between two different yet very similar nations. It’s a journey that encapsulates the thrill of the ride, the beauty of our landscapes, and the power of shared passion to break down cultural barriers."

Building bridges starts with strong foundations

Akashi-Keikyo bridge, Japan

The Foundations: The first step of the journey

Document journey through film and book

The documentary is an immersive cinematic journey capturing the creative process, vibrant interviews, and breathtaking cultural moments from Awaji Island.
Complementing it, the book is a richly illustrated chronicle that delves deep into the stories, artworks, and personal reflections born from this adventure. Together, they form an essential record of our cross-cultural exploration—serving both as a lasting testament to the power of artistic exchange and as an inspiring blueprint for future collaborations between Japan and the UK.
Exhibitions of artwork on both islands

The community art exhibition on Awaji transforms our creative expression into a vibrant celebration of heritage, uniting artists and community members through shared workshops and collaborative projects. It stands as a living canvas of the island’s spirit and traditions.
In the UK, the showcase exhibition on the Isle of Wight extends this narrative by bringing together the artworks, documentary, and cultural insights—inviting key collaborators from Awaji to celebrate and further solidify the enduring bond between Japan and the UK.
Collaboration: Ōishi Kakuya Museum

The Art-Yama Kakuya Oishi Museum celebrates the life of a very special artist and his own art practice that integrated western art techniques into traditional Japanese aesthetics. This collaboration honors Japan’s rich artistic heritage while embodying innovative spirit.
By fusing these time-honored practices, we create a dynamic dialogue that mirrors a commitment to bridging East and West. This venture reflects a passion for cross-cultural exchange, laying the foundation for transformative artistic residencies where creative fusion inspires new possibilities.