Infinity
Infinity,∞, is defined as quality or condition having no boundaries or limits. From ancient times we humans have aspired for eternal life. The Emperor Qin Shi Huang of the Qin Dynasty dispatched a party headed by Hsu Fu to Japan looking for the elixir of life. The team failed to return home. In the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade a knight is shown exhausted for protecting the Holy Grail, for centuries, a sarcastic presentation for his effort. We now view our life is limited and understand that it is our instinct to desire the spirit and the specie to live forever.
I consider the ‘Tokushu Kidai’ , terra cotta objects dating back to late Yayoi period as the origin of Japanese pottery, are accompanied by texts seeking immortality or with such inscription on the surface. This fact tells us that the origin of art lies in people’s instinct or intention to preserve the beauty and the richness of life. Lee Ufan, one of the leaders of contemporary Japanese art as well as the leader of
‘Mono-ha’ (School of Things) philosophy argues that the essence of art exists in the endless exchange of thoughts between artists and the viewers.
You are invited to sense the tiny voices and waves that the presented works of art emanate. By all means study the presentation and carefully listen to them placed over the serene garden of the Sogenji Temple. Let your mind react to enjoy endless conversation. I believe enabling such interaction is The role of art. Thus ‘Infinity‘ as the theme of the exhibition .
Note: Hsu Fu party, ref. Hsu Fu Legend
Note: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, a hit movie among the
Indy Jones series by Stephen Spielberg