Exhibition/event has ended.
Four Elements 2024 Winter
Mujin-to Production
Finished
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Artists
Yu Araki, Ryohei Usui, Tsubasa Kato, Meiro Koizumi, Yukihiro Taguchi, Osamu Matsuda
Based on the ancient Greek concept that the world is composed of the four elements of fire, air, water, and earth, this experimental exhibition is an attempt to explore the sensory world by selecting works inspired by each element.
Following the "Four Elements 2023 Summer" held last summer, this second installment features works by six artists: Yu Araki, Ryohei Usui, Tsubasa Kato, Meiro Koizumi, Yukihiro Taguchi, and Osamu Matsuda.
"Fire":
For the element of fire, Yu Araki presents his film "Stove" (2019, 16 minutes and 47 seconds). Filmed at a robatayaki (Japanese hearth-grilling) restaurant in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, this work delicately portrays the handling of fire by the grillmaster in a slow and almost fantastical manner. Through this imagery, the film subtly references Ainu culture and addresses environmental issues surrounding contemporary society.
"Water":
For the element of water, Tsubasa Kato exhibits the work "Raft of______" (2016, 3 minutes and 39 seconds), consisting of video and photographs created during his stay in the United States. The piece reflects on the artist's contemplation of how he, as a non-involved observer, should face the refugees attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Libya to Europe. Kato took to the river on an improvised raft, displaying a QR code that continuously moved on Google Maps, evoking a sense of uncertainty similar to the raft drifting on the water. As long as there are refugees who sacrifice their lives at sea, the location of that raft continues to be indicated somewhere on the sea.
Additionally, Osamu Matsuda's "Loop (Repetition)," featuring symbolic video works, along with the documentary video of the performance "Living Message" conducted in Kyoto in 2018, will be exhibited. The two works explore the infinite loop of the human acts of "drinking" and "excreting," which continue as long as humans live, and the theme of "tenacious life."
"Wind":
For the element of wind, Ryohei Usui showcases his early photographic work "Flying Straw Mat" (2008), presenting a mysteriously floating tatami mat. Confront this lighthearted and humorous scene to ponder what it evokes in the context of recent events.
"Earth":
For the element of earth, Yukihiro Taguchi exhibits the stop-motion animation "Pokepoke" (2017, 6 minutes and 54 seconds), created during an invitation to West Auckland, New Zealand, in 2017. "Pokepoke" means "knead" in Maori, expressing the connection between people and nature through the malleability of clay encountered in a region known for brick manufacturing and pottery.
Following the "Four Elements 2023 Summer" held last summer, this second installment features works by six artists: Yu Araki, Ryohei Usui, Tsubasa Kato, Meiro Koizumi, Yukihiro Taguchi, and Osamu Matsuda.
"Fire":
For the element of fire, Yu Araki presents his film "Stove" (2019, 16 minutes and 47 seconds). Filmed at a robatayaki (Japanese hearth-grilling) restaurant in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, this work delicately portrays the handling of fire by the grillmaster in a slow and almost fantastical manner. Through this imagery, the film subtly references Ainu culture and addresses environmental issues surrounding contemporary society.
"Water":
For the element of water, Tsubasa Kato exhibits the work "Raft of______" (2016, 3 minutes and 39 seconds), consisting of video and photographs created during his stay in the United States. The piece reflects on the artist's contemplation of how he, as a non-involved observer, should face the refugees attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Libya to Europe. Kato took to the river on an improvised raft, displaying a QR code that continuously moved on Google Maps, evoking a sense of uncertainty similar to the raft drifting on the water. As long as there are refugees who sacrifice their lives at sea, the location of that raft continues to be indicated somewhere on the sea.
Additionally, Osamu Matsuda's "Loop (Repetition)," featuring symbolic video works, along with the documentary video of the performance "Living Message" conducted in Kyoto in 2018, will be exhibited. The two works explore the infinite loop of the human acts of "drinking" and "excreting," which continue as long as humans live, and the theme of "tenacious life."
"Wind":
For the element of wind, Ryohei Usui showcases his early photographic work "Flying Straw Mat" (2008), presenting a mysteriously floating tatami mat. Confront this lighthearted and humorous scene to ponder what it evokes in the context of recent events.
"Earth":
For the element of earth, Yukihiro Taguchi exhibits the stop-motion animation "Pokepoke" (2017, 6 minutes and 54 seconds), created during an invitation to West Auckland, New Zealand, in 2017. "Pokepoke" means "knead" in Maori, expressing the connection between people and nature through the malleability of clay encountered in a region known for brick manufacturing and pottery.
Schedule | Jan 27 (Sat) 2024-Feb 25 (Sun) 2024 Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Free | ||||
| Website | https://www.mujin-to.com/exhibition/four-elements-2024-winter/ | ||||
| Venue | Mujin-to Production http://www.mujin-to.com/index_e.htm | ||||
| Location | 5-10-5 Kotobashi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0022 | ||||
| Access | 8 minute walk from exit A3 at Kikukawa Station on the Toei Shinjuku line. 8minute walk from exit B2 at Sumiyoshi Station on the Hanzomon or Toei Shinjuku line. 12 minute walk from the South exit of Kinshicho Station on the JR Sobu line. | ||||
| Phone | 03-6458-8225 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it  |
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