installation view at Galerie Lange + Pult in Zürich raw oil paint on sewn canvas tarpaulins each 36" x 36 inches / 91,5cm x 91,5cm
Example showing signage curtain
Example showing Edo-style signage curtain
Japan Journal
Combining Pop-Povera structure with forms echoing Edo Period signage, these displays of private journal writings are decidedly restrictive in their generousity. Through the filter of translation, the calligraphic stylization, and the mystery of identity; a series of layers and speed-bumps guarantee misinterpretation and enable an exhibit of the personal. Often the calligraphic translations are either hidden behind folds in the white denim, and more often than not the actual source text when translated only makes sense to myself. The work is not partnered with the exhausted genre of "getting it" convenience. Titles at least hint at meaning— "...abdominal muscles." contains a 6-pack of Pabst Blue-Ribbon hidden Castellani-esque within its pillowcase-like structure. The full journal entry, "Throwing up is much easier when you have abdominal muscles." refers to one of my many Osaka Sunday morning post Explosion Club hang-overs. A bass-akwards reversal on "Japlish" bad English slogans is served with many P.o.t.A. entries.
— Exhibition statement, 1999
Ink on white denim, contains one six-pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon 40" x 40" x 6 inches Translation: "Throwing up is much easier when you have abdominal muscles."
Ink on white denim, contains one six-pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon 40" x 40" x 6 inches Translation: "Throwing up is much easier when you have abdominal muscles."
Ink on white denim, red lacquered wooden posts 52" x 48" x 29 inches (approx) Translation: "Every dog has naked heat." (from a Japlish sweatshirt by the brand Labrador Retriever)
Ink on white denim, red lacquered wooden posts, lacquered bricks 47" x 48" x 36 inches (approx) translation: "Why are there no female gorillas on The Planet Of The Apes ?"
Ink on white denim, lacquered rock bound with rope Approx 62" x 40" x 55 inches
Ink on white denim, lacquered rocks bound with bamboo, red lacquered wooden post 56" x 48" x 28 inches (approx) Translation: "Tanaka-san, implementation specialist" (a friend's business card)
Ink on white denim, containing round wooden disc 42" x 42 inches (approx) Translation: "Time is a circle" (from P.o.t.A.)
Ink on white denim, containing one lacquered rock 28" x 24" x 19 inches (approx) Translation: "One day a huge ball of wax fell out of my ear."
Ink on white denim, grommets 56" x 12" x 4 inches (approx)
Ink on white denim, grommets 56" x 12" x 4 inches (approx)
Ink on white denim, red lacquered wooden post 42" x 37 inches (approx) Translation: "How many futures do we have ?" (from P.o.t.A.")
Ink on white denim, rolled onto red lacquered wooden post 42" x 44 inches (approx)
Installation of the "study flag" at The Japan Foundation Toronto library, 1999 Ink on white denim, red lacquered wooden post 56" x 28 inches (approx) Translation: "Sleep four hours and pass, sleep five hour fail."
The "study flag" unfurled. Ink on white denim, red lacquered wooden post 56" x 28 inches (approx) Translation: "Sleep four hours and pass, sleep five hours fail."
Review by Ingrid Chu of "Private Language" at The Japan Foundation Toronto. Frieze Magazine, Issue 46, May 1999, pg 93/94
"Diary rags" installation at The Japan Foundation Toronto. Entries from journal kept while in Japan. Series of one dozen. Sumi ink on cotton Each approx 15" length
"Diary rags" installation at The Japan Foundation Toronto. Entries from journal kept while in Japan. Series of one dozen. Sumi ink on cotton Each approx 15" length
Diary rag with entry from journal kept while in Japan. Sumi ink on cotton Each approx 15" length Translation: "While asleep in Tokyo, I went to a wild party in Osaka."
Diary rag with entry from journal kept while in Japan. Sumi ink on cotton Each approx 15" length Translation: "I watched the silver fish fly and eat out of the mouths of birds."