Based on the concepts of "It keeps changing," "It connects with everything," and "It continues forever," contemporary artist Tatsuo Miyajima, known for his works using digital counters, created the "Sea of Time – Tohoku" project. This project, co-created with people living in Tohoku and those with strong feelings for the region, aims to commemorate the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake and pass on the memory of the disaster.
The artwork, envisioned as 3,000 LED gadgets counting from "9 to 1" installed in a huge space, is created through the participation of 3,000 people who set the speed at which the LED numbers count to their desired number of seconds, either through workshops or online. Currently, activities are underway to meet participants through workshops held in various locations, with the goal of completing the artwork in 2027.
Currently, there are 1,516 participants (as of October 10, 2022).
In this article, Emi Nishizuka, a university student interning with the "Sea of Time – Tohoku" project, reports on the time setting workshop held at Hara Museum ARC on September 23rd and 24th this year.
Author
Emi Nishizuka (3rd year student, Joshibi University of Art and Design)
Editor
Tae Kahara ("Sea of Time – Tohoku" Project Director)
Photography
Shinya Kogure
Reason for holding the "Time Setting" workshop at Hara Museum ARC
Hara Museum ARC currently has Miyajima's work "Chain of Time," which was permanently exhibited at the Hara Museum in Shinagawa, Tokyo, until its closure in January 2021, and continues to be exhibited there. Miyajima has a deep connection with the museum; it was also where he first exhibited his work "Sea of Time" (1988). This "Sea of Time – Tohoku" project's time setting workshop was held at a museum that holds fond memories for Miyajima throughout his artistic career.
New Encounters, Connecting Feelings. The Second In-Person Workshop This Year
This time, we held a time setting workshop on September 23rd as part of the "Bus Tour for Art Students" program (organized by Hara Museum ARC, grant by the General Incorporated Foundation MRA House), and on September 24th, we held two "Time Setting Workshops" (organized by the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" Project Executive Committee and Hara Museum ARC) in the morning and afternoon, with a total of 93 participants.
From here, we will present a photo report of the time setting workshop held at Hara Museum ARC over two days.
Actually, the event was held with a typhoon that had occurred a little before the scheduled date gradually approaching. On the morning of the event, preparations began under unstable weather conditions, with the rain sometimes strengthening and sometimes weakening.
Due to the continued unstable situation, we thoroughly checked preparations and progress, including measures against the new coronavirus infection.
Miyajima also helped with the venue setup.
Although the weather was a concern, preparations proceeded in a friendly atmosphere.
The corridor space of Hara Museum ARC served as the venue for this workshop.
After setting up the venue, all staff members make a final check of the progress for the workshop.
"Bus Tour for Art Students"
On the first day of the workshop, September 23rd, a time setting workshop was held as part of the "Bus Tour for Art Students" program. The tour bus departed from Shinjuku Station, with a total of 30 participants ranging from high school to university students. Surprisingly, some students even traveled from Yamagata to participate!
The bus tour participants arrived safely at the museum.
The rain that had been falling earlier stopped, and Director Aono gave an opening talk at the museum entrance.
Participants were free to explore the exhibition and the museum until the workshop began.
The mountain views from the museum are also very beautiful.
Workshop Day 1 Begins!
Finally, the student participants gathered at the venue and the workshop began.
Miyajima speaks about his experience of the Great East Japan Earthquake and his artistic intentions behind the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project.
He also explained his recently created work "Painting of Change" to the art students.
It was impressive to see the students listening intently, taking notes.
How many seconds should it be? Time for careful consideration of the time setting.
After Miyajima's explanation, it's finally time to set the time.
Participants begin writing down their desired number of seconds and anecdotes on the worksheet.
They are earnestly filling out the worksheets while looking at the actual working LED counter gadget.
Interaction with students
Miyajima listens to the thoughts of the students, who came from various places, regarding the time settings they chose.
The reasons for participating in the workshop varied greatly, and many came from afar. Through our conversations, we were able to hear the students' passionate thoughts on the artwork, as well as their feelings about the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tohoku.
Finally, a commemorative photo with everyone
Day 1 started with some concern due to the typhoon, but the rain stopped after the students arrived, as if the weather was also welcoming them. Each person's experience of the Great East Japan Earthquake varied, as did their age and location at the time. Although their reasons for participating differed, as a student of art myself, listening to the many thoughts and memories embedded in the chosen seconds by my peers, I reflected on my own experiences during the disaster and on life itself. I realized anew that the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project is one that weaves together the present, past, and future.
On this day, what was particularly striking was the joy of the art students in being involved in the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project and their keen interest in Miyajima's work, engaging in earnest dialogue with him. I am sure they received various inspirations that will benefit their future student life and artwork creation. As I watched the bus carrying the participants depart after the workshop, I felt a renewed determination to do my best as well.
Thank you to everyone who participated!
Workshop Day 2
On September 24th, the workshop was blessed with clear autumn skies and a warm day. On this day, there were two sessions, morning and afternoon, with a total of 63 participants. Many people participated, including families, friends, and walk-in participants who learned about the workshop after visiting the museum. This report covers the second day, which brought new connections and encounters.
Miyajima explains the background of the project and the artist's intentions behind the work.
All participants listened intently.
Next, we explain how to fill out the worksheet.
Participants are asked to write about their reasons for joining and their thoughts on the numbers they set for the time.
Time for Dialogue with Each Participant
In the workshop, we engage in dialogue with each participant, listening to their various thoughts through time setting. We then carefully receive the set number of seconds and the feelings behind it.
Participants diligently wrote down their thoughts on the time they set.
There were also small children who didn't know about the Great East Japan Earthquake, along with their parents.
The time setting workshop is open to participants of all ages.
Miyajima's conversation with a family who participated together.
Sharing the times each family member chose is also a wonderful experience.
Listening to each person's story, each person's feelings. This time is very important.
Finally, a commemorative photo with all participants
Together with everyone who participated in the morning.
Commemorative photo with everyone who participated in the afternoon.
Many people participated on the second day as well! Thank you all very much!
(* Masks were removed only for the photo.)
This workshop, held at the Hara Museum ARC, a place with deep ties to Miyajima and a leader in contemporary Japanese art, led to many new encounters. We heard from many people about their experiences of the disaster and their feelings for Tohoku, including those who learned about the previous Naoshima workshop and participated, those with connections to Tohoku, and those who lived in Tohoku at the time of the disaster.
Through the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project time setting workshop, it was a time to experience how participants' precious memories become passionate thoughts added to the artwork.
Continuing to engage with Tohoku while searching for what can be done
Actually, I was also one of the participants in the previous Naoshima workshop.
I chose a number related to an important person. As I was thinking about how many seconds to set, I remembered that person living far away, that person I can no longer meet, and I set the time while recalling many memories and the time we spent together. It was like going to meet or search for that important person in my memory. Sometimes, it was accompanied by a little pain. However, the time I spent deciding the time with my feelings poured into it was also a time to remember the enjoyable days and the days filled with laughter.
When the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" artwork is completed, I am sure I will remember many things when I see the gadget I set, and the gadgets set by many other people. I myself have many connections to Tohoku. I still remember very well what happened during the disaster. Although what I, as a student, can do is still limited, I feel renewed determination to search for what I can do and continue to be involved in activities related to Tohoku.
The "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project will continue to hold such workshops throughout Japan, fostering spaces to weave together memories, experiences, and feelings of the disaster. I hope to spend time experiencing new encounters and various emotions at another venue someday.
(text by Emi Nishizuka | 3rd year student, Joshibi University of Art and Design)
[Demonstration Exhibition "Sea of Time - Tohoku" is open until November 9th!]
Currently, Hara Museum ARC is holding a demonstration exhibition of "Sea of Time - Tohoku" until Wednesday, November 9th. Also, "Catching Clouds: Hara Museum / Rokuro Hara Collection | Part 2 (Autumn/Winter)" is currently on display at the museum. The leaves are gradually changing colors, making it a pleasant season. Please come and visit.
