Dunhill and O'Brien

Inspired by Japanese mountain culture and traditions such as Fujizuka 1 and Suiseki 2, Dunhill and O’Brien decided to use their residency at Youkobo Art Space in Tokyo as a research and development period, devising and making a series of prototype tools and accessories to make a ‘Japanese Sculpture’.

The work shown at Youkobo Art Space gallery was the result of a physical and somewhat ritualistic process where they attempted to make a new sculpture together, entirely modelled and formed by geta 3 based on topographical information of 2 important mountain ranges in Japan.

The installation comprised of the geta and other implements used to make the work with a video of the process that evidenced the at times competitive way in which the form was shaped.

1. Fujizuka are pseudo Mt Fuji mounds built during the Edo period with Fuji ash buried at the summit or lava from Fuji placed at their top. Based on the final 5th stage, considered to be the most spiritual area of the mountain, Fujizuka enabled those unable to climb Mt Fuji to participate in a miniaturised pilgrimage.
2. Suiseki are highly prized naturally formed mountain shaped stones displayed on specially made stands within domestic interiors
3. Geta are traditional Japanese footwear.

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