Tsubakihime Nono Exhibition 2024 Exhibit Commentary
・What is the Hedgehog's Dilemma?
It refers to a psychological state where people try to get closer to become friends, but end up hurting each other in the process.
In human relationships, there is a tendency for tension and repulsion to arise from differences in thinking when getting too close, while feeling alienated or uncomfortable when staying too far apart.
This psychological state is called the "Hedgehog's Dilemma" and is used as a common problem that humans face.
A concrete example of the "Hedgehog's Dilemma" is the situation where hedgehogs in the cold try to huddle together to keep warm, but end up hurting each other because of their quills.
The hedgehogs repeatedly approach and move away from each other until they find an appropriate distance where they do not hurt one another.
One of the works loved by the model, Tsubakihime Nono, is [Evangelion].
It is also one of the famous anecdotes that appeared in the fourth episode, "Hedgehog's Dilemma" (Japanese title: "Rain, After Running Away").
Following the previous Tsubakihime Nono exhibition, I took on the challenge of creating a three-dimensional work (=JUNKART) using materials that look like trash from a distance, with this word—which also became famous through Evangelion—as the theme.
・Materials used
What I used this time is shredded paper dust.
I took photos of Tsubakihime Nono that I had taken in the past, printed them on standard A4 copy paper in black and white on both sides, and then randomly fed several sheets into a shredder.
In terms of the number of photos used, I shredded a total of over 700 sheets.
I created the base by attaching an A1 adhesive panel and an A2 main panel together to make a width equivalent to B1 size.
I prepared two types of glue: 3M spray adhesive and a glue stick. Then, I put the shredded dust into a bag, applied the spray adhesive, and repeatedly gathered and kneaded it to create clumps of shredded dust, which I then attached to the base.
By doing this, the randomness is enhanced, and a "non-reproducible photo work" can be completed.
I think I'm still a psychopath.
After all, I am shredding photos that I am in or photos that I have taken myself.
However, that is Nono-san for you.
When I sent the document summarizing the exhibition outline, her response was...
It was an immediate "Yes."
Interesting.
・Reason for choosing the hedgehog theme
1.Because Nono-san herself has a sharp side, as she often goes viral but also frequently gets involved in online controversies.
2.Because I knew from watching her that she is the type of person who is shy but gets too close in relationships, which leads to misunderstandings and causes her distress in her interpersonal relationships.
3.Because I knew she liked Evangelion.
4.Other factors
・Reason for using the main visual photo
Originally, I planned to use a vertical portrait photo of the same beauty-style series.
However,
1.It was difficult to express the hedgehog in a vertical composition, and a horizontal composition looked smarter.
2.Since I was already exhibiting the same beauty-style photos, I anticipated a sense of "déjà vu," so I thought I might as well use the "exact same photo" to create an even stronger sense of déjà vu.
3.Since it is the main visual, this photo is the strongest.
These are the reasons why this photo was chosen.
This photo by itself clearly evokes images of "light" or "yang," but anyone who knows Nono-san should understand that [Tsubakihime Nono is not someone who ends with just this].
I would be happy if people thought, "Oh, I've seen that photo before," and then when they got closer, they thought, "Wait, there's something weird next to it!"
・Reason why the other photos are in black and white
This is very simple:
1.I wanted to resemble the sparse hair and quills of a hedgehog.
2.Because the main photo is in color, I wanted to show it in contrast.
3.To evoke a bi-color feel, such as yin and yang, light and shadow, or outer and inner self.
These are the three reasons.
・Reason for not using anything that looks sharp
I certainly considered including straight, long shredded pieces to make it look sharp.
However, I assumed that just sticking them on wouldn't create a clear difference, and it wouldn't create the assertion of quills.
If I coated that with resin, the strength would increase, but then it would create a gloss.
If I kneaded it thoroughly like clay and molded it, I could shape it freely, but there would be concerns about the strength of the individual pieces.
Therefore, I settled on just using finely shredded pieces this time.
However, since I gained various insights and discoveries, I might produce something in the future that applies this.
・The fallen photos are also part of the artwork
At the time of installation, the shredder pieces were still attached to the body, but as time passed, they kept falling off.
It is extremely fragile, to the point where they would flutter down just from the vibrations of someone hammering nearby.
However,
It peeled off so much that the skin was almost visible, so I fixed that part.
It was simply too unexpected (lol)
It seems this shredded part looks like various things to different people,
・A dress
・Fallen angel wings
・Noise
and so on; it was interesting to hear the various interpretations.
As for the photos that fell there,
・As if the noise had been stripped away
・As if feathers had fallen
・As if a burden had been lifted from the shoulders
・As if hope had been birthed
and so on; it was good to see various interpretations born here as well.
By the way, according to Nono-san's own interpretation,
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It looked like the darkness or noise encroaching upon herself
The kind of resentment or obsession from people who are trying to drag her down
But she thought it was herself, who has always kept a cool face, refusing to give in to the harassment from such bottom-tier people
It could be called her ideal self
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So it seems.
I think that's the nature of this kind of sculptural work, where it looks different even to the person themselves.
By the way, if there is a next Nono Exhibition, I have a plan in mind, so I'm thinking of doing that.
When I threw the idea out once, she said, 'Huh? I'll punch you,' in a fairly serious voice, so I assumed it was shelved, but...
Unexpectedly, Harada-san said,
'That's amazing!! You should do it!!'
so I received those words.
I'm thinking of doing it either by persuading Nono-san,
or with a model who won't get angry and will find it interesting even after hearing this plan.
・Nono Exhibition Impressions & Summary
Following the previous exhibition at Gallery Z, this is the second Nono Exhibition.
With people who are so good at photography that they are also exhibiting at the I-Don't-Know Exhibition, like Kenta-san, Harada-san, and KAMANOI-san, participating so intensely,
'It's like a poison pot,'I was inwardly nervous because the lineup had become so formidable that such a thought popped into my head.
The strength of character and quirkiness of this group could be taken as 'dissonance' from the outside.
I was wondering how it would come together, but everyone was so cooperative that the move-out was finished in an hour, and we were able to finish it extremely smoothly and peacefully.
However, the model herself went viral during the preparation of this exhibition, and she was also being flamed, so there were times when I said, 'What are you doing?????' (lol)
I don't know if Nono Exhibition 2025 will be held, and even if it is, I don't know if I will be invited again, but I would like to continue expressing myself in various ways using photography.
p.s
I had the unnecessary dilemma crushed during the move-out.
Exorcise the bad luck, and have a happy new year.