He then started blow torching the then used frame and begun to condition it with the torch as well as other paints and inks. As he picked up the then white painting to frame it, through the glass you could see the layers and inkling of what it used to be. Cutting out small pieces of the paper that littered the floor that once was some incarnation of the painting; he pasted them onto the glass. Adding paint and drawing a stem and leaves, the painting eventually become a very beautiful flower of which had “EVERESTS IN SAPPORO” written on the bottom. This was to be the show piece at SOSO that which you can see along with the exhibit now.

The aftermath of what seemed to be a torrent of artistic energy, consisted of many papers on the floor which were parts of the painting and a very large splotch of pink paint that was caused by a straying hand. The table was also a complete mess. You can see what it was like, right now at the center of SoSo Café as we have left the table as well as the material on it intact since that night.

As Kawanishi left abruptly for a smoke out side, many people tagged along for an informal Q&A session. Coming back, his colleague that was there with him the whole time, mentioned that he should also sign the table as it also is a part of his art, at which he signed with a little spelling mistake, “THAK YOU SOSO CAFE 2007.”

Afterwards I had the opportunity to talk to him for a little, mind you my Japanese isn’t exactly the best. Simply asking things like “what do you like to eat” to which he replied “junk food” in English and “ebi” in Japanese. I had also asked him if it was fun, hearing “No! No Future!” Indeed he was a very interesting person and I had a very enjoyable time meeting and watching him as he worked. As I said good bye that night, I said to him in English, “You’re a very interesting person.” Indeed you are and it was awesome meeting you, thank you for the souvenir and I hope to see you again!

Kawanishi Takahi “Everests”
Date: June 9th – 28th, 2007
Open: 11:00 – 21:00
Place: SOSO
Address: 1F Sansei Bld., South 1 West 13, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Tel: +81 (0)11 280 2240
https://www.shift.jp.org/soso