About the artwork

“Hana akari” essentially means the way the air feels brightened by the color of cherry blossoms in full bloom in the spring. Imagining the winter world of Echigo-Tsumari bound in deep snow, the artist lit the “hana akari in August” using snow-white casablanca. Rice bowls borrowed from villagers were placed in the corner of the house and, for the permanent exhibition where flowers grown in the village were arranged, pinholders took the leading role, springing out from their ordinary position hidden beneath the plants. A small mass of iron with fine spikes lined up orderly formed the ridges of Echigo’s three major mountains.