“Origin” is a series of works within “Big Bang Symphony” whose theme is ‘time and space’.
They are artworks made of stone, within which I seal some seawater. Initially, the water was from places I had some relation to and collected from all over Japan and abroad.
Earth is a planet of water. The sea is the origin of life. It is said that life began in the sea about４billion years ago.
For the UBE Biennale (Origin 19-1) and Sculpture by the Sea Bondi 2019 (Origin 19-2), I have broadened the initial concept of my personal collection of water, to one that encourages people throughout Japan and all over the world to participate and share the work with me. I am asking all interested people to collect seawater or fresh water from where you live, or somewhere you visit,and send it to me. I will seal it into a 5 or 10t stone which will be featured in the following art exhibitions.
● 28th UBE Biennale (Ube City, Yamaguchi, Japan)
● Sculpture by the Sea Bondi 2019 (Sydney, Australia)
The environmental pollution of our oceans and waterways has become more serious than ever through the increase of garbage, refuse, microplastics and other waste. It is a critical problem concerning not only the future of human beings but of all living things. I hope that this work can provide an opportunity for many people to stop and think about the importance of life, the earth, and environmental problems, in this time and space.
It is vital that we all recognize the need to take care of this most precious planet on which we live, the one and only, irreplacable Earth.
Takeshi Tanabe
