One story I’ve been hearing often lately is that displayed artworks get damaged.
Of course, art must be handled delicately, and touching is out of the question—that’s common sense. But I went to an exhibition where such common sense doesn’t apply; rather, one where you’reactively allowed to touch and even break the work.
Cell artist Ouma
The cell artist Ouma has an unusual career as a former veterinarian and is an artist who travels the world.
This solo exhibition was held through her connection with an artist residence operated by the global company “Swatch” in Shanghai.
I visited on the opening reception.
It was bustling with a large crowd of people involved, showing how much attention this exhibition drew.
Since she is a “cell artist,” the theme of the light refreshments served at the reception also seems to be “cells.”
Ouma has experienced artist-in-residence programs around the world, but the one every artist praises is Swatch’s facility in Shanghai, “The Swatch Art Peace Hotel.”
Having stayed and worked there for six months, Ouma spoke passionately about her stimulating exchanges with artists from around the world.
Ouma solo exhibition “Life Continuous” (集合生命)
This solo exhibition is presented across one floor on the 14th floor of a building right in the middle of Ginza.
When you enter the floor, a large work suddenly leaps into view.
The support hanging like a bag—made of multiple materials joined together and suspended like a curtain with nylon thread—is a life-form composed of many cells.
You may touch the works. You can enter the life-form and view the works colored with many colors.
What surprised me further was thatyou may even tear the work.
Some materials apparently can’t be torn, but even if part of a cell is damaged, the effect on the life-form is said to be limited.
There were also works you must not touch. The next photo.
This is a work by Ouma, who travels the world, joining images of skies she photographed around the world onto a tile grid.
Incidentally, there’s also a playful touch: not only actual sky colors but also computer-output colors are mixed in.
The exhibition runs for ten days—how will the works change during the period?
Ouma says that the process of change is also part of the “work.” She is currently staying in Japan temporarily, but she will surely continue to be active, moving her stage to the world.
Summary
I forcibly re-educated my head and body, which don’t approve of touching exhibits, and tried touching the works. It’s a new sensation.
Further, I tried tearing a work. It’s a new sensation that makes you go “Oh!” By tying together the tapes hanging like strings and engaging with the work, I got a sense of being like the artist.
It felt like I was taught a new way to enjoy art, and it became a fun exhibition.
