About Kentaro HARUYAMA ~The notion behind the works~
Kentaro HARUYAMA's sculptures consist of multiple materials such as metal, wood and plastic. They have unique shapes with sleek or matt surfaces. Those works suggest abstraction, yet resemble to certain objects. His serial works titled hypothetical plan models for sculptures have profound meanings. HARUYAMA says "When art works are placed at public spaces, they become statements. They are statements on location's contexts, which are historical, social, cultural, aesthetical, and ethical." As the titles, the series of the works are literally defined as plan models for sculptures. On the other hand, backgrounds of those plans are intentionally obscured. Generally plans are premised on practicability. Nevertheless HARUYAMA's plans are designed for imaginary beings. This ambivalence evokes hypothetical spaces, which situate in the border between existing locations and our imaginative spaces. In this exhibition, HARUYAMA will present new work. In our gallery space, the artist will install a prototype of an interior component. This piece represents a fragment of a hypothetical architecture. The project has been developed from the basic concept mentioned above. The component will have reflective surfaces, which will give the piece another levels of ambivalences. We can be aware of "ourselves" while looking into a mirror. Conversely we cannot be conscious of ourselves, when we analyze the phenomenon called reflection of a mirror. HARUYAMA describes a reflective surface as a border between consciousness and unconsciousness. By hovering the notions of actuality and reflection, the work also situates in the boundary of two contrasted concepts of awareness. By containing the conflicts of ideas, HARUYAMA's works keep us in perplexities. Simultaneously the works seek to evoke the viewer's prolonged desire to rationalise and conclude the work.