About the artwork

Koryu Jinja Shrine is said to have been founded in 1333 by a warrior of the Nitta Yoshisada clan. The enshrined deity is Toyotama-hime, and after the Showa period, the deity Takaogami no Kami was added. Then in 1929, twelve other shrines were consolidated into this site. The artist’s Man Rock series began in 1979. The artist who claims that “matter and spirit are one,” collaborated with a local stonemason to carve a form engaged in a gentle embrace on a naturally shaped stone from Shinano River. This stone sculpture, on the boundary between a drawing and a sculpture, is housed within a structure designed to resemble the chozu-ya (water ablution pavilion) of the Koryu Jinja Shrine. Placed within a lushly forested shrine grove, this piece is intended to gradually return to nature. It invites reflection on humanity’s interdependence with the Earth and our role as
both inhabitants and creators of this planet.
Architecture Design / Construction: Omi Kenchiku Co., Ltd. (Suzuki Hiroshi, Hiroi Maho)
Stone work: Ikeda Stone Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Stonemason:Ikeda Yoshiichi)

“Investigating the interplay of living organism and materiality
This sculpture marks a new addition to a series of artworks by the artist, renowned for delving into the intricate relationship between space and the human body since 1979. Reflecting on Michelangelo’s use of hammer and chisel to sculpt the human form, the artist observes, ‘It was a portrayal of the clash between spirit and matter.’ Contemplating the endeavours of those who seek to shape nature, the artwork challenges man-made structures by melding the human body with natural stone, symbolizing an uninterrupted line akin to a drawing. Positioned amidst trees, mountain grass, and rocks, the sculpture eventually merges back into nature, prompting contemplation on humanity’s role as stewards of the planet.

《Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale 2024/Message Video from Antony Gormley》