Chiharu Shiota: Immersive Japanese Installations

Chiharu Shiota’s “Between the Worlds” Explores Existence and Memory in Istanbul

A captivating installation by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota, currently on display at the Modern Istanbul Museum, invites viewers to contemplate themes of existence, memory, and the human condition through a mesmerizing web of interconnected objects and vibrant red threads.

The work of Chiharu Shiota holds a distinguished place in contemporary art, celebrated for its unique vision and emotional resonance. Despite initially abandoning formal artistic training – leaving college early after finding traditional drawing unfulfilling – Shiota discovered her calling in the realm of spatial installation. “The drawing was only a color on a fabric. It had no other meaning. I could not link my life to drawing,” she reportedly stated, highlighting her need for a more immersive and experiential medium.

Fortunately, opportunities to experience Shiota’s art are available internationally. One observer expressed gratitude for coinciding a trip to Istanbul with the exhibition, after previously missing a showing in Paris.

Shiota’s genius lies in her ability to transform found objects – often imbued with past lives – into powerful statements about time, space, and human experience. Dresses, shoes, and travel bags frequently appear in her installations, serving as poignant reminders of absence and transience. These elements are meticulously interwoven with expansive networks of thread, compelling audiences to engage both physically and mentally within the artwork’s immersive environment.

A Journey into the Veins of Emotion

Stepping into Shiota’s “Between the Worlds,” presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Istanbul, is described as an overwhelming and embracing experience. The installation’s corridors, reminiscent of blood veins, narrow, widen, and branch, punctuated by sunken bubbles resembling blood cells. Rays of red woolen threads, both open and closed, create a labyrinthine space that envelops the viewer.

According to exhibition materials, the arrangement of bags appears initially chaotic, yet contributes to a rhythmic flow, condensing and dispersing to alter the audience’s perception as they navigate the space. Warm lighting emanates from within the woven structures, creating a sensation of being enveloped within the emotional core of another being. Even the apparent chaos, one observer noted, feels like the striving of a beloved entity resisting the relentless pace of life.

“Between Two Banks”: Exploring a Liminal Space

The exhibition delves into the concept of “existence in a place between the worlds,” a theme inspired by Istanbul’s unique position between Asia and Europe, and the museum’s location in the historic port neighborhood of Karakoy. The installation connects the stories of ships arriving and departing, travelers, and the artist’s own experiences with immigration.

The pervasive use of red thread, resembling spiderwebs, underscores the theme of “attendance in absence.” Red, a recurring motif in Shiota’s work, symbolizes blood, life, and memory. The exhibition coincides with the centenary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Turkey, reflecting Shiota’s own feeling of being “somewhere between two worlds.”

Rooms as Universes, Objects as Metaphors

Shiota’s installations are renowned for their scale, transforming entire rooms into immersive environments. Visitors are invited to walk within the artwork, moving through the “spider arteries” and encountering the weight of life metaphorically represented by the accumulated bags. Beyond bags, Shiota frequently incorporates everyday objects – family heirlooms, furniture, and even natural elements like water, fire, and soil – into her dense, thread-bound creations.

In a secondary display, red geometric patterns of thread are intricately woven across three white canvases, their density increasing towards the bottom. Shiota’s technique transcends traditional sewing, creating a twisted and intertwined texture.

Born in Osaka in 1972 and currently based in Berlin, Shiota’s work explores profound existential themes through performance, composition, and sculpture. Her artistic journey began with drawing, but she quickly gravitated towards installation art, seeking a more expansive and impactful medium.

Among her notable works is “The State of Existence (anatomy),” a sculpture of an anatomical book enveloped in a network of red threads, displayed in a way that allows only one viewer at a time to fully appreciate its intimacy. The symbolic weight of the colored threads is significant: red representing life and memory, while black evokes the unknown and mortality, as seen in her darker works, “During Sleep” and “Between Them.”

Shiota’s 2015 Venice Biennial installation, “The Key in the Hand,” featured fifty thousand keys bound by red threads to boats, prompting reflection on self, memory, and identity. Her “emotional tide” work and “souls of the soul” series further demonstrate her commitment to sharing personal experiences and provoking emotional responses through her art.

The Modern Istanbul Museum, designed by Renzo Piano, itself contributes to the exhibition’s impact with its transparent glass walls and abundant natural light. Awarded “Building of the Year 2024” in the cultural architecture category, the museum provides an ideal setting for Shiota’s immersive installations. The exhibition, which opened on September 6, 2024, will run through January 25, 2026, offering ample opportunity to experience this captivating exploration of existence and memory.

Chiharu Shiota’s Artistic Techniques and Their Emotional Impact

Chiharu Shiota’s artistry, as showcased in “Between the Worlds” and her other installations, extends beyond mere aesthetics. Her methodology, which revolves around the use of thread and found objects, serves to amplify the emotional impact of her work, creating an immersive experience for viewers. Moreover, the exploration of themes like existence, memory, and the human condition is at the heart of her artistic endeavors.

The Alchemy of Thread and objects

Shiota’s signature technique involves the meticulous weaving of threads, most notably the vibrant red, around ordinary objects. Found objects like suitcases,keys,and dresses are not simply incorporated; thay are often enmeshed in an intricate network of threads,transforming into carriers of meaning. According to the artist, these objects, frequently enough imbued with personal histories, represent the essence of human experience.The thread acts as a symbolic connector, creating a visual representation of the invisible connections between people, places, and memories.

The choice of red thread holds particular importance. It embodies life, memory, and the flow of time. Shiota’s strategic use of the color red creates an immediate sensory impact, drawing viewers into the emotional core of the work. This use of color is evident in “Between the Worlds” where the corridors of red thread mimic blood vessels, creating an encompassing atmosphere.

Installation Art as a Medium of Immersion

Unlike customary art forms that present a static viewpoint, Shiota employs installation art to encourage active engagement. Instead of viewing a piece,visitors walk within the artwork,becoming participants in its narrative. This immersive quality forces viewers to confront the physical and emotional weight of the themes explored.Through this approach, Shiota hopes to evoke feelings tied to existence, transience, and absence.

• Scale and Space: Shiota’s installations transform entire rooms into environments. She uses space to encourage exploration.
• Intricate weaving: The complexity of the thread network creates a sense of being contained amidst the emotional core of another being.
• Evocative Objects: The inclusion of everyday items like keys and clothing adds layers of narrative.

Expanding the Scope of the Exhibition

The inclusion of Istanbul, a city at the intersection of cultures, within “Between the Worlds” elevates the themes to an international stage. The exhibition celebrates the convergence of experiences, the transient nature of life, and the intricate bonds that connect people. the historical context of the Modern Istanbul Museum,awarded “Building of the Year 2024,” enriches the experience. The museum’s design, with its clear walls and natural light, emphasizes the artwork’s themes.

Shiota’s work transforms everyday objects and materials into profound reflections on life’s essence. Through her intricate installations featuring thread and familiar items, she creates environments that engage and provoke deep thought.Her art invites reflection on existence,memory,and the emotional links that bind us.

Beyond “Between the Worlds”

Shiota’s work encompasses other explorations of similar themes. Her 2015 Venice Biennial installation, “The Key in the Hand,” serves as another poignant example of her craft.By connecting thousands of keys with red thread to boats,the artist generated powerful associations with memory,identity,and personal journeys.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the red thread in shiota’s art? The red thread symbolizes blood,life,memory and the invisible connections that bind individuals and experiences.

How does Shiota’s installation art differ from other forms of art? Her installation art invites viewers to physically and emotionally immerse themselves within the artwork, actively experiencing its themes.

Where can other examples of shiota’s work be viewed? Though “Between the Worlds” is a unique piece, many installations, like “The Key in the hand”, can be found in venues worldwide. Be sure to check museum listings for upcoming showings.

How does the location of the exhibition influence the message? Istanbul, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, enhances the themes of migration, memory, and the meeting of cultures.

What emotions does Shiota seek to evoke in viewers? Shiota creates art aiming to evoke feelings of connection, exploration, and an exploration of the complexities of the human experience.