Based on the concepts of "It keeps changing," "It connects with everything," and "It lasts forever," contemporary artist Tatsuo Miyajima, known for his digital counter works, created the "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project. This project aims to commemorate the victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake, pass on the memories of the disaster, and is created in collaboration with people living in Tohoku and those who care about the region.
The artwork is envisioned to feature 3,000 LED gadgets, counting from "9 to 1," installed in a giant pool. 3,000 participants are involved in this project, and each participant can set the counting speed of their respective LED number to their desired time. Miyajima is conducting workshops in various locations to meet participants, with the goal of completing the artwork in 2027.
As of August 1, 2022, there are 1,373 participants.
Reasons for holding the "Time Setting" workshop in Naoshima
Naoshima, located in the Seto Inland Sea, is home to 『Sea of Time '98』, a sister piece to "Sea of Time - Tohoku". Similar to "Sea of Time - Tohoku," 『Sea of Time '98』 was created through time setting workshops with the participation of local residents.
In 1998, 125 islanders aged 5 to 95 participated. Then, in 2018, to mark its 20th anniversary, "Time Setting 2018 - Inheritance -" was held. All 125 participants from 1998 were located, and for those who had passed away, their blood relatives were gathered to reset the time. For more details, please refer to the website below or Benesse Art Site Naoshima Public Relations Magazine, July 2019 issue, pages 2-15.
Inheriting human memories and thoughts
An artwork is not finished once it's completed. I believe that an artwork grows through the overlapping thoughts of participants and visitors. Naoshima was a place that embodied this.
Through the workshops in Naoshima, I strongly reinforced my desire for "Sea of Time - Tohoku" to become an artwork and a place where people's thoughts will be passed down for 20, 50, or 100 years, making it a cherished piece and a significant location.
First in-person workshop in a long time
From here, I will deliver a photo report of the Naoshima workshop.
Due to the impact of the new coronavirus infection from two years ago, in-person workshops had been canceled, so this was the first on-site event in approximately two years. Therefore, preparations and progress checks were carried out meticulously.
At "Honmura Lounge & Archive," the workshop venue, confirming the day's flow and preparations with the Benesse Art Site Naoshima staff.
The reception area. As the start time approached, participants arrived one after another.
Many students from Naoshima Junior High School participated in the workshop for children.
The workshop begins
Before I knew it, the venue was full of children! Family participation is also welcome.
Tatsuo Miyajima explains "Sea of Time '98" and the circumstances surrounding its creation at the time.
Showing conceptual sketches of "Sea of Time - Tohoku," he discusses the project's history and the artist's intentions.
Sharing the image of time setting by showing an actual working LED counter gadget.
All the participants listened intently to Tatsuo Miyajima's talk.
What is valued in a workshop is listening to and receiving each person's thoughts.
A conversation between Miyajima and a family participating in the workshop.
Through the workshop, participants also get to experience each other's experiences and previously unknown feelings.
Conversations with young children, a generation unfamiliar with the Great East Japan Earthquake, are also precious.
"How many seconds should I choose...? Hmm..." I can't forget the earnest expressions of each person as they pondered.
"How about it? Did you finish writing?" "How many seconds did you set?" Conversations among participants were sparked all over the venue.
Finally, appreciating "Sea of Time '98" with the participants
In front of the "Sea of Time '98" artwork at Kadoya, Miyajima himself explained its creation background.
Even at the Kadoya venue, participants spoke to Miyajima, and we had a wonderful time.
We will continue to hold workshops in various locations.
During my conversations with participants in Naoshima, I encountered people who had a connection to the Great East Japan Earthquake or the Tohoku region, with comments such as "I'm from Tohoku," "My family and relatives live in Tohoku," or "I was in Tohoku during 3.11."
Listening to each person's thoughts about Tohoku and about life, I reflect on the 11 years that have passed since the earthquake and on the future. I strongly feel that accumulating such time and space by sharing it with participants is a step toward nurturing "Sea of Time - Tohoku."
The "Sea of Time - Tohoku" project will continue to hold workshops across the country to foster a space where memories, experiences, and thoughts of the disaster can be woven together.
[Part 2: "Time Setting Workshop at Hara Museum ARC" to be held!]
Workshop and demonstration exhibition of the artwork held simultaneously!
The next workshop has been scheduled!
The venue for the second workshop is Hara Museum ARC, where Tatsuo Miyajima's work "Chain of Time," which was permanently exhibited at the Hara Museum (Shinagawa, Tokyo), has been relocated and continues to be on display.
Furthermore, a demonstration exhibition of "Sea of Time - Tohoku" featuring some of the LEDs created to date (period: Saturday, September 10, 2022 - Wednesday, November 9, 2022) will be held simultaneously.
We look forward to your participation and visit!
*Time setting is limited to one participation per person. Those who have already set the time for this project in the past cannot participate.
