Hideki put typography together by printing it out and pining the typography up on the wall repeatedly. Have you ever seen a performance using a printer? Although I described his work “typography like graphics” at the beginning, it is exactly the right description for this work as well. All the elements which were placed on the wall were a part of a “letter” but it was a “picture”.

Good music selection from new wave and electronica made a comfortable atmosphere, and Hideki kept producing his work pieces having a red eye beside, while the audience enjoyed their time looking at the work, which was calmly placed on the white wall, and talking and drinking with friends. When I looked around the cafe, I suddenly realised that there were strangely many people who had red dress on. It was because of the flyer for this event, which says “Come in red clothes and you will enjoy yourself more.”

I was thinking it was just because the hall was lit with red at first but by the time he almost finished up his work, he started spreading out some posters slowly and gave away them to the audience dressed in red! Even I, who was on the sponsor side for the event, was not told about this and it was a delightful surprise happening.

At Rocket in Tokyo, this exhibition starts from July 16th again with the the different contents from Sapporo. What would be performed there? I surely recommend to visit and want you to enjoy Hideki Inaba’s world.

Hideki Inaba / NEWLINE Exhibition Sapporo
Date: June 18th – 30th, 2004
Open: 11:00 – 21:00
Place: Soso Cafe
Address: 1F Sansei Bld., South 1 West 13, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Admission Free
Tel: +81 (0)11 280 2240
https://www.shift.jp.org/soso/