Chiharu Shota’s recent installation at the Hayward Gallery in London weaves themes of the body, memory and human existence in a bold, yet delicate way.
The juxtaposition of walking through brutalist, grey architecture and encountering the red threads criss-crossing and inhabiting the space is a dramatic statement. And one of the best introductions to Chiharu Shiota’s work.
Shiota’s large-scale installation truly is something to marvel at. Intricate red threads engulf the first room, with ordinary keys, of all different shapes, sizes and ages, hanging (quite literally) by a thread. In the middle of the room, you’re confronted with an open door, which you can choose to walk through or go around. There’s an emotive presence in the room. We’re all connected by the multipurpose nature of keys, and this gives Shiota’s installation a purpose for the viewer to reflect on what they mean in our lives and where they come from. They have a history, a past life that we can’t see, but can only imagine.
The following room consists of hanging red thread with floating papers of good intentions, gratefulness and memories. You weave your way through this space, exploring the messaging of sentiment as you go. I found this installation quite poignant, again finding a human connection with these faceless people.
The final room I entered was covered floor-to-ceiling with interlaced black thread, leaving just enough space for a few metal beds. Another chance to add your own narrative, this room felt creepy and deadly. Like the thread was closing in on the beds. It felt intentional that the mood in this last room shifted to a darker presence. The atmosphere in all the rooms can’t be replicated, or felt through a screen – you really need to experience this in person.
Chiharu Shiota: Threads of Life
At the Hayward Gallery on the Southbank until 3 May
artmyface 