The Hara Museum is saddened by the tragic loss of life caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and extends its deepest condolences and sympathy to families.

Yasuhiro Suzuki's Donation Box Called Well, a gift to the museum from an anonymous donor, was originally scheduled to be presented to the public on Sunday, March 27. This debut was postponed following the earthquake. A new date, however, has been set for the launch. Contributions to the box are to be used for the support and enhancement of the Hara Museum’s activities; however, in light of the earthquake, the museum has decided to donate all monies received this year to a charity dedicated to earthquake relief. The final choice of charity will be made after careful consideration by the end of the year.

The Hara Museum of Contemporary Art is proud to announce the debut of Yasuhiro Suzuki’s Donation Box Called Well, a gift to the museum by an anonymous donor. This one-of-a-kind donation box will be installed in one of the walls at the museum on Sunday, June 26. To mark its debut, a special installation of works by Yasuhiro Suzuki will be held in The Hall of the museum from June 26 (Sun.) to July 1 (Fri.). A talk event (in Japanese) by the artist will also be held on June 26 (Sun.).

“The coin is the person him or herself,” says the artist. “By dropping in a coin, the person participates in the activity of the Hara Museum. The coin drops, giving rise to a droplet and a ripple, from which a world of new art expands.”

The work appears as a single slot near the end of a wall. Drop a coin into the darkness behind it and one hears the sound of water. The image of Donation Box Called Well then comes alive, with ripples expanding into infinity, the size and sound of which depend on the kind of coin that was dropped in. It is a work that is unique, interactive and delightful.

In order to always reflect what the Hara Museum is “now,” the video content will be updated continuously in the future.

*Because of its nature, Donation Box Called Well is a work that can only be viewed by making a donation. All monies donated through this work will be applied towards the support and enhancement of the Hara Museum’s activities. However, as part of an effort to contribute towards the relief and reconstruction of the areas affected by Great East Japan Earthquake, all donations received this year will instead be given to charities dedicated to earthquake relief.