Chiharu Shiota, a Berlin-based artist who held an exhibition at Beppu this summer, was born in Osaka. The work of art she creates is oftentimes inspired by her own experiences. The work that you can admire at the exhibition is also embodied by her experiences when she visited Beppu. “The land of Beppu is full of tremendous life force,” she described.
The exhibition transforms two buildings that originally look like ruins into solemn and dignified places. One is a Chinese atmospheric place which is a Chinese restaurant that is called Shin-Chukaen, and the other place is giving a Japanese atmosphere in part because it is a Japanese-style building called BEP.Lab.
At Shin-Chukaen, countless red ropes hung down from the ceiling to the ground as though you draped them on your back. It is such a vividly beautiful and spectacular view that can take you to memories woven by the red ropes, and evoke memories of the Chinese restaurant in the past.
Whereas At BEP.Lab, the atmosphere is completely different from the exhibition at Shin-Chukaen. It is more solemn and breathtakingly calm in combination with the Japanese vibes given off by the wooden structure and Tatami. White yarn covers the space as if water is filling the ground. It really looks like a paradise made by the silkworm. The surface of the water reflects it as though the darkness on the water surface could gravitate me to an unknown different world.
I revelled in visiting and plunging into circulation memories. The exhibition will be held by October 16. It is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Why don’t you visit there and encounter memories that only you can see?
Your article conveys the mood of Shiota's work well. Even if the exhibition is over, this article will remind me of the feelings I got there. Thanks!