About the artwork

The artists created an installation at the same site they worked in 2003. It was in the middle of the winter of 2006, a winter with a record snowfall, when the artists visited the region to deepen the plan for the coming exhibition. The school stood, covered in snow and surrounded by a completely different scenery from that seen in 2003. The artists perhaps felt the reality of a community destined to be shut in deep snow for almost five months. The installation, which used the entire building, deeply and densely confined the memory of the place. Many elderly residents came to the preview held for the villagers before the official opening. They were asked to bring items related to the community or their school days. These objects rest quietly in a small space at the back of the school, farthest from the entrance.

The artists renewed the space on the third floor by adding curtains to redefine the space. This completely changed the impression of the installation. the artists also worked to make a temporary installation using old clothes. Apart from the installation, a booth to record heart beats of visitors was set up to contribute to the artist’s project underway at a number of location throughout the world. In 50 days, the hearts of 416 people were recorded. These collected heart-beats will be part of an exhibit planned for the Setouchi International Art Festival 2010.

【Sponseored by S. Fukutake】