ON LIMITS

ON LIMITS
2023
Performance, mixed media, installation
Variable size

This performance and spatial installation work was created during Yamaguchi’s residency at Shin-Yurakucho Sonoaida, awarded as part of the A-TOM ART AWARD 2022 Sonoaida Prize. After Japan’s defeat in the Pacific War, many buildings in Yurakucho were requisitioned by the occupying forces, turning the area into a zone dotted with numerous “OFF LIMITS” signs (meaning “No entry for Japanese”). Shin-Yurakucho Sonoaida now functions as an open studio for resident artists. During his creative residency, Yamaguchi observed how office workers and passersby were casually entering and exiting the studio, attracted by the artworks in progress. Yamaguchi displayed an “ON LIMITS” sign at the entrance, an antonym to “OFF LIMITS”, emphasizing that the Sonoaida space was now an “ON LIMITS” place open to everyone. This work was adopted as the title for the residency’s final exhibition. On the opening day, Yamaguchi performed as a sandwich-board man to attract passersby, embodying the concept of accessibility.

-Performance-

ON LIMITS / Shinyurakucho#Sonoaida, Tokyo, Feb 23 2023