Tevu (Handbath) Dome Decoration Through Bamboo Crafting 2023 Title: Time in the City of Hot Springs Produced by Bamboo Artist Chikara Kojima
WARNING:
The cross-section of the bamboo is sharp and dangerous.
Since the installation is built outdoors, there are many wires used for securement.
Please refrain from touching the bamboo or wires to avoid injuries.
This piece consists of two parts. The front of the station faces the sea, with the opposite side facing the mountains. The dome was created to resemble the entirety of Beppu City.
The blocks of bamboo represent the "Townscape of Beppu" on the seaside, with the many houses and buildings lining the mountain slopes.
Through the unique techniques of Beppu's bamboo crafts and braiding, the hot water gushing out from the deme signifies the steam rising from the hot spring. expressing the ever-rising energy of the hot spring and the city's residents.
Teyu (Handbath) Dome
The bamboo used in this piece is made from the "Madake" bamboo in Oita prefecture, produced by the bamboo mill NAGAI SEICHIKU Inc. with over 120 years of history. The artist divided each length of the bamboo, while individually weaving and assembling the large and small pieces by hand to create this piece.
The block-like bamboo representing the streetscape is arranged using three types of bambeo: green bamboo, white bamboo (bleached bamboo), and carbonized bamboo (artificially sooted bamboo); displaying each of its aging expressions through the passage of time.
The two strips of fabric are each made by an artist living in Beppu City, presenting the diverse artistic characteristics of Beppu City.
The cloth on the left side of the dome; facing the hot water, is a colorful floral pattern created by Art Creator MAKEY.
The patchwork cloth on the right side of the dome is made by Tomohiko Yukihashi of the Onsen Dyeing Laboratory, using onsen dyeing*; a process that utilizes the spring water qualities from Beppu Onsen (hot springs).
The boiling hot spring water inside the Teyu dome; as well as the steam rising from the source, expresses the "Beppu-ness" in the various parts of Beppu City.
Artist's Notes
Time in the City of Hot Spring has several meanings.
"Machi " could be a word other than "city" or phonetically similar to "waiting" for the time that follows.
I hope the people will grow fond of Beppu's hot springs, bamboo, and the culture of this city while waiting at the center of Beppu City's Teyu Dome and Beppu Station aging through time.
Over time, the bamboo used for the artwork will change, as will the people and the city. During the one-year installation period of this piece (Spring 2024), the bamboo will be exposed to rain, wind, and sun; which will begin to get dirty and mold over time, as is the nature of bamboo. The dome is created based on the change in appearance across time, by utilizing the divinity of nature. This is one of the reasons I chose the word "time" in the title.
Oita Prefecture is not only famous for its hot springs but also for its bamboo crafts. For many years, the prefecture has been Japan's largest producer of the craft material "Madake" bamboo, and "Beppu bamboo craft" is the only traditional craft in the prefecture designated by METT (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry). The long-established culture and techniques of bamboo craft continue to produce high-quality products.
When you visit Beppu City for sightseeing, enjoy not only the hot springs but also the bamboo crafts and cultural experiences that
die a part or this cily.