Flatstone is named after the special stones used by the mid-Jomon era people in Japan (3500-2500 BC) in the structures archeologists believe to have housed ancient shrines. The entrance of these early buildings was located specifically to receive sunlight on the winter solstice. Jomon period stone circles used to celebrate dawn on the Winter Solstice inspired this work. The people of Jomon period Japan celebrated the seasonal transition of the Winter Solstice, realizing that the day marked the ultimate waning of the natural environment due to the shortened daylight, while also heralding the coming renewal of spring. Resonating with the values of these ancient people who lived in harmony with nature, Mori recreated the Jomon ritual space with 22 white ceramic forms, thus expressing the transitions and rebirth of nature, and of the soul. This work speaks to all of us caught up in contemporary social issues, suggesting a new way of being that incorporates a fusion with nature.

"FLATSTONE" is part of MARIKO MORI: REBIRTH, a major exhibition of her works at ROYAL ACADEMY of Arts Burlington Gardens in London December 13 2012 until 17th February 2013. That includes some of Mori's most acclaimed works from the last 11 years, as well as new pieces created especially for this exhibition.

Born in Tokyo in 1967, Mariko Mori is an internationally acclaimed artist, whose work has been acquired by museums and private collectors worldwide. A major survey of her work, entitled Oneness, was held at the Groninger Museum, Netherlands; ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum, Denmark; and the Pinchuk Art Centre, Kiev, Ukraine in 2010, and travelling to Centro Cultural Banco de Brasil, Brasilia; Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo in 2011.

Image: © Mariko Mori, de Sarthe Gallery