Japanese religion is based on polytheism. “God of eight million” is a phrase which expresses what we Japanese believe and means that every object possesses the spirit. Art is originally the method of conveying the spirit into the object. Today our lifestyle is rapidly changing in a way that we cannot quite grasp because technology and IOT develops outside of our personal control. Within such a reality, to what degree can we actually rely on our physical senses?
This project encourages us to shift our perspective onto tangible material as opposed to the societal view which is dominated by the virtual medium. We mediate through art and try to realize the revival of the sensory experience and convey the character of resistance to being shaped and formed that the materials inherently posess. By being sensitive to the inner voice of the materials; glass, cloisonné, stone, manicure, steel, brass, stainless steel, wood (camphor tree, Japanese cypress etc.), the process of creating the pieces become an integral part of the art object. This approach may be valuable in forming a better understanding of the materials themselves and thereby a better understanding of the objects created. Our aim is to connect and create a platform for cooperation with all who are intrigued by the concept of this project. This project begins here in Milan Design Week 2018 by perceiving the internal communication of the materials from the Japanese point of view.
When touching the objects, it is more than just the materials that are being experienced. The objects resonate with the complex handling performed by the artist, the traditional techniques used to combine the materials and the artists’ creativity. This evokes a value of sympathy to the processes and materials between the works and the audience.
In this project, the shared moments experienced by the audience within the space and with their interaction with the objects assists in the recognition of the value of such experiences and encourage the pursuit of similar future events.
Glass & Metal & Light
- Born in 1984, Chiba, Japan
- Ph.D. in Fine Art, Tokyo University of the Arts, majors in Glass
- Awards: Nomura Art Prize, Salon de Printemps Award
Encapsulated form that is spontaneously created during the process of melting metal inside honey-like glass at 1200°.
A transparent object that is created between arbitrary and action whilst forming the shape from the liquid to the solid; as if the first living creature born on the unknown planet.
Solid glass, emitting light like a living creature, responding to external sounds, it starts to communicate with you.
Wood & Aluminum & Scent
- Born in 1982, Tokyo, Japan
- M.F.A. in Woodworking, Department of Crafts, Tokyo University of the Arts
Wood grown perpendicular to the ground is formed by a lathe and cut in half. The time encapsulated within the wood is converted to a scent that expands throughout the space.
What will appear from the scent? A form, an outline or a footprint from the act?
The ladder cut in two pieces. When a piece is inverted and the ladder converted into a stepladder, will you perceive what is around you differently?
Steel & Wood & Sound
- Born in 1978, Tokyo, Japan
- M.F.A. in Metal Hammering, Department of Crafts, Tokyo University of the Arts
- Awards : Salon de Printemps Award
Swaying and swaying, twinkling and glowing. As they clash they spark and make a sound. Visual sound, auditory light echo in space. When it happens, can we hear the light that is not seen, can we see the sound that is not heard?
*Respect the Baschet brothers, Harry Bertoia and Martí Ruiz, Universitat de Barcelona.
Glaze & Silver Wire & Reflection
- Born in 1984, Hyogo, Japan
- M.F.A. in Metal Carving, Department of Crafts, Tokyo University of the Arts
- Awards: "5th TAGBOAT AWARD" Tomio Koyama Special Prize
The eyeball is one of the most beautiful sensory organs of the human being.
With this enameling technique, which melts and drapes glass on a metal plate, the reflection of metal and the transparency of the glass overlap.
It depicts fluid-like freshness and light, exactly like the eyeball.
Eyes are said to be the windows to your mind. What do your eyes reflect? I want you to look into your own eyes.
Marbles (Carrara) & Manicure & Words
- Born in 1983, Tokyo, Japan
- M.F.A. in Mural Painting, Department of Painting, Tokyo University of the Arts
“Today again, I said something I had not intended to”, she muttered. The words disappear as a sound, but remain deeply in my heart. Her words which differ in principle and practice would be engraved on stones deposited long ago and burdened by the weight of the real world. Please stand in front of the mirror and hold the heavy speech balloon next to your face with your hand. Which word do you want to say, “principle” or “practice”?
