Kodama Kanazawa
Independent curator
In Praise of Soils 2023
An exhibition about soil and rammed earth. Kanazawa joined the curatorial team as Code-a-Machine.
Kanazawa wrote a story, in which the narrative unfolds from the perspective of the soil.
Soils from various regions of China. Based on the research of Professor Mu Jun from Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Houses made of rammed-earth walls are soundproof and quiet. They also regulate temperature and humidity so that air conditioning is unnecessary. When I first heard about this, I was fascinated by the concept of rammed earth and soil. I was reminded of the significance of living with the blessings of nature.
In curating this exhibition, I have used “soil” as a narrator to depict the story of the soil as something that existed before the formation of planet Earth and is still with us today, after a long time. We can see the great power of the soil to nurture and protect us.
We can also see the soil in various forms, not only as an object for human use. Six contemporary artists have been invited to fully expand our imagination about the soil.
Thus, this exhibition has a transcendental perspective, crossing architecture, science, and art.
As civilization develops and we face global climate change, many people are becoming more aware of sustainability. We hope that as you read the stories of the soil and travel through time, you will learn about the abundance of nature that we receive at present, and may we think together about a sustainable future.
KANANZAWA Kodama (Code-a-Machine)
Sugisaki Haruna, "Eternal Whispers in the Weaver’s Dance" (2023). Sugisaki undertook a three-week artist residency. All seven large-scale paintings were created using natural pigments, with soil as the central element.
A work by the architectural traveler Suzuki Shinsaku. The structure at the back is a collaboration with architect KUMO.
Ceramic works by Shao Lei
Artwork by Xie Wendi
Installation by So Wing Po
Artwork by Katja Schenker
Artists (Alphabetize by Last Name): Katja Schenker, Shao Lei, So Wing Po, Sugisaki Haruna, Suzuki Shinsaku, Xie Wendi
Producer: Dai Yin
Curators: Li Dandan, Mu Jun, lijima Yoshitoki, Code-a-Machine (Kanazawa Kodama, Masui Shinichiro)
Exbihition Design: KUMO
Organizer: Pearl Art Museum
Presented By: Beiing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, KUMO
Co-organizer: Cheng Yi
Supports: Shanghai Xinhua Distribution Group, Red Star Macalline Group
Academic Supports: UNESCO Chair in Earthen Architecture, Constructive Cultures and Sustainable Development, CRATerre-ENSAG, amàco
Special Support: Shanghai International Culture Association
Thanks: Consulate-General of Japan in Shanghai, Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, Institut Français
Chief Sponsor: Chan Cheung Mun Chung Charitable Fund
Sponsors: DUNLOP Tyre, KOKUYO, Zen Garden, biT, MAKOKORO