I visited Sachiko Kazama’s solo exhibition “Cement Cemetery.”
The venue is Mujin-to Production, which relocated from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa to Kotobashi in Sumida Ward (the nearest stations are Kinshicho and Kikukawa), a move that took place in July 2019.
Mujin-to Production
Sachiko Kazama is a visual artist known for her single-impression woodblock print works.
This exhibition builds on the “KUROBE GOLD” series she presented in her solo show “Concrete Suite” at the Kurobe City Art Museum from October to December 2019, adding new works to the lineup.
Installation viewSachiko Kazama, Cement Mori, 2020Woodblock for Cement Mori — with cement partially layered over itCement Mori, Detail — cement is mixed into the woodblockCement Mori, Detail — only the central work has been drawn over from above, and the drill the figure was holding has been erased.Installation viewLeft: Sachiko Kazama, KUROBE GOLD, 2019, woodblock print, 130 × 91.5 cm Right: Sachiko Kazama, Lorelei, 2019, woodblock print, 130 × 91.5 cmInstallation viewLeft: Sachiko Kazama, Kingdom of the Dwarves, 2019, woodblock print, 130 × 91.5 cm Center: Sachiko Kazama, New Order, 2019, woodblock print, 130 × 91.5 cm Right: Sachiko Kazama, Valhalla, 2019, woodblock print, 130 × 91.5 cmInstallation view — the exposed cement beneath the works is the river embankment, left unrenovated. ※Shot from the second floor.Traces of the building’s former life remain in places, such as around the roof.Installation viewSachiko Kazama, Cement Cemetery, 2020, 45 × 65 cm ※Set of nineTop: Sachiko Kazama, End of Home (A), 1997 Bottom: Sachiko Kazama, End of Home (B), 1997Sachiko Kazama, Gatepia no.3, 2019Woodblock for Gatepia no.3 — the second figure from the right has been carved away.Sachiko Kazama, WHITE HOUSE, 1997, panel, water-based paint, plaster, varnish
The gallery space and the works resonated with one another, opening up a superb viewing environment.
It was a time to reflect on the history the Kurobe Dam has traced.
