42. Shinku Zero's Night of Neither Stir-fried nor Grilled
The artist Shinku Zero managed to get the work finished in time for the first deadline for the exhibition starting on June 18th.
I feel a little relieved for now.
Before I knew it, I had been so focused on production that I even stopped updating my note.
Every time, I start by experimenting with new materials that fit the concept.
From there, I dig deeper into the concept and keep searching for a 'communicative expression' that fits the content, until it finally takes shape as a piece of work.
Since I challenge myself with new materials and new concepts every time, it is only natural that it takes time.
I am also aware that I am raising the difficulty level of my own production.
However, the reason I keep doing it every time is because I want those who are waiting for my work to enjoy it as much as possible.
And above all, I think it is because I want to be excited myself.
There is still some time until the exhibition begins.
I plan to refine the expression even further from here.
This is because the expression in the early stages of production tends to have too much information and the visuals tend to become complex.
While repeating experiments, I am gradually shaving off the noise.
However, if I simplify it too much, the hints for the viewer to interpret the work will disappear.
I am repeating fine adjustments to find that delicate balance.
In addition to that, there is a mountain of things that must be decided, such as how to transport the work to the venue, how to install it, whether there are frames that match the style, where to install the screws for hanging, consultations on pricing, statements, biographies, work lists, and instruction manuals to hand over to purchasers.
If the titles and captions are too explanatory, the work closes off, and if they are trimmed too much, nothing gets across.
While searching for that boundary, I am gradually shaping things up.
When I am focused on production, I tend to settle for simple meals, and recently, Korean cup noodles have become a little treat for me.
The fact that they are 'neither stir-fried nor grilled' is what makes them good
No matter how difficult it is, looking back, I think this is probably the path I wanted to follow.
There are many things I want to write and many things I want to record.
I think I will continue to update my note little by little.
[Shinku Zero's 2026 Exhibition Schedule]
・Group Exhibition
Dates: June 18 - June 23 / Venue: Nobana
Location: Prince Building 7F, 5-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Independent Tokyo 2026
Dates: August 8th and 9th / Venue: Tokyo Portcity Takeshiba