The atmosphere zone, in which White Hole by Mariko Mori and Kengo Kuma is displayed, represents the creation and spirit. In this zone, atmosphere and universe are sublime as art works. Mariko Mori and Kengo Kuma succeeded to connect their work with environmental issues by casting a spotlight on a “white hole” that regenerates stars destroyed by black holes mentioned in Einstein’s equation. The fabric of this cave-like building is built with material that is 99% composed of air. It is very close to metaphysical material. The lights Going On and Off by Martin Creed is also displayed in this zone. The lights turn on and off in the vast space. This simple work even evokes every physical body and life and death of every living thing. The audio of this work was composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto.

“White Hole”, Mariko Mori + Kengo Kuma

Over the faint melody played with on a piano, a disturbing sound gradually comes in. The sound finally overcomes the piano and the melody fades out. The sound of deformation, makes its way to us, and expresses nightmares that eat through reality. It is the myth of the security of a Japan without foundation. It is our paralyzed feelings that cannot discriminate reality from unreality: we present with visual deficits caused by digitization. It is the reality of our language; the tool to pass on information has lost its power to deliver true meanings because of our way of using it without thinking of its actual meanings.

“maquettes”, Anish Kapoor

The work of Anish Kapoor especially attracts our attention. They wear a feeling of emptiness and depict people sightseeing; the buildings can hardly be called real without any doubt.

“Are you aware of the warning sign sent by the earth?”

We felt the sign near our selves through the earthquake on March 11, 2011. We were made to think that we had to be concerned about environmental issues more globally. There are things that have changed significantly after March 11. We cannot go back. We are not supposed to get paralyzed now. This exhibition seems to make an appeal for that.

2011 became a major turning point for Japan. According to the exhibition concept, Japanese were always trying to coexist with nature but in a confrontational way. Are we still? What about visiting DOJIMA RIVER BIENNALE 2011 in order to turn our attention to the earth and ourselves once more?

Dojima River Biennale 2011
Theme: ECOSOPHIA
Date: July 23 – August 21, 2011
Place: Dojima River Forum
Address: 1-1-17 Fukushima, Fukushima-ku, Osaka
Tel: 06-6341-0115
http://www.dojimariver.com