Since 1994, after my sister died of a malignant brain tumor, I've been producing artworks to consistently meet her in memories again. In 2016, my wife passed away from breast cancer, leaving me and our 4-year-old daughter. Based on these experiences, I decided to create a support facility for cancer patients and families. The work "Kisoushi" consists of organic patterns of flowers and trees that are intended to make you feel a strong force of life. Using salt, I spent days applying a hand-drawn, delicate pattern to the purple floor.
I would like to present to the patients and families who gather here the spring-like scenery where purple flowers are blooming— in celebration and memory of those who have lost valuable people, and the wives and sisters who have left the world at a young age. I am attracted by a violet blooming on the shoulder of the spring flowers, a mountain growing strong while entangling the vine, and a moist purple lotus tree that is different from the ornate cherry blossoms. I think that purple flowers have the power to survive adversity as well as possessing immense beauty.
The venue has existed nearly 20 years, located on a hill called Tombs of Shikinosuke - Shikiteki -. I may have walked around here several times on our walking course. When I look at the flowerpot of the chrysanthemum in front of the church in the immediate vicinity, I feel the arrival of spring and I feel my heart's gait become light. In November my wife's third anniversary will be met. While thinking about the way that I walked with my wife and the time she lived with sickness, I sat down on the floor and wanted to quietly draw a line. I would like to bring the courage and hope that everyone feels in spring back when viewing the work.
In addition, on the final day of the exhibition, we plan to destroy the work with you and carry out a project to return the "salt" to the sea.
Born in Hiroshima Prefecture in 1966, he resides in Tokyo City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Graduated in 1995 from Tokyo College of Art and Design. With the theme of memories of my wife and sister who left this world at a young age, I draw a huge pattern with salt on the floor. After the exhibition, we collaborated with the viewers and destroyed the work, and carried out a project to return the salt to the sea. In addition to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art of Tokyo, MoMA PS1, Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg) , Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Contemporary Art etc. have published works.

Opening reception : 18:00 - 20:00, 24 January, 2020

mpefm JAPAN art press release