Correspondences and Hyōryūshi[Drifting-poetry]

"The fate of a written poem may resemble that of a bottled message cast into the sea by someone stranded on a remote island. [...] This fragment might perhaps be described as a drifting poem that has finally reached the shore. Yet, even if it is found, its fate remains unknown." Shuzo Takiguchi "Chi no Inazuma," 1972, Collected Works Vol. 5, Misuzu Shobo, 1994.

This exhibition is the second collaborative project between Shuzo Takiguchi and Keio University Art Center (hereafter KUAC), both of which house materials related to him.

Born in Toyama Prefecture, Shuzo Takiguchi（1903-1979）was a poet, art critic, and artist engaged in diverse creative activities. He received many works and objects from various individuals, including letters. KUAC alone holds approximately 3,500 such letters, an overwhelming collection. Letters, regardless of their form, are written with various thoughts in mind for someone far away. In this way, they closely resemble the Hyōryūshi (drifting poetry) that Takiguchi described.

Currently, KUAC and Arakawa＋Gins Tokyo office, Reversible Destiny Foundation are collaborating to organize and catalog letters exchanged between Takiguchi and Arakawa＋Gins. This exhibition was planned in the context of this work.

The exhibition focuses on letters and enclosures sent by Shusaku Arakawa/ Madeline Gins, along with related works and documents. Notably, all 30 vintage postcards created by Arakawa＋Gins for the 1974 publication of the Box for Drifting Objects by Edishion-Epābu will be displayed for the first time. These will be exhibited alongside postcards sent to Takiguchi, related materials, and works by other artists.

This exhibition encourages viewers to consider the additional expressions that emerge when these objects are seen not just as artifacts but as related elements of correspondence.