The island
This sculptural work was created through an act resembling play or fortune-telling, incorporating elements of chance.
Twelve cubes and twelve cylinders made from small iron fragments were each marked with a number from 1 to 12. These pieces were scattered across a diagram composed of twelve arcs on paper. Based on the randomly landed positions, lines were drawn connecting matching numbers to form a new shape, which then served as the blueprint for the final sculpture.
The iron fragments placed on the diagram resembled a map, and the resulting form resembled an island—hence the title The Island. The concept of “island” evokes both a physical landform surrounded by water and an imagined utopia. In Japanese gardens, stones are often arranged as metaphoric islands, while in children’s games, a circle drawn around oneself on the ground becomes a claimed territory—also called an island. In this way, “island” becomes a conceptual and abstract presence.
The polishing method used on the iron was inspired by the techniques used to make ancient Japanese mirrors.
Materials:
2022.10.7 #01 Iron
2022.10.7 #02 Silver print
Dimensions:
2022.10.7 #01 2680φ / approx. 2500mm (top view)
2022.10.7 #02 372mm × 314mm
Year: 2022–2023
Exhibition: The White, Tokyo
Photo: Ichisei Hiramatsu