Isamu Noguchi's "Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims in Hiroshima"

The exhibition "Site - Memory of Place, Power of Place -" is currently underway, offering a space in Hiroshima to share connections to places that evoke pain, loss, and nostalgia associated with "site."

This exhibition showcases a one-fifth scale model of the "Cenotaph for the Atomic Bomb Victims in Hiroshima," designed by Isamu Noguchi, a sculptor and artist who also undertook urban planning for gardens, parks, and bridges, at the request of architect Kenzo Tange. Although never realized, the gently rounded cenotaph features a two-tiered structure with a mortuary chapel below, a work conceived by Noguchi in contemplation of Hiroshima's destruction and loss.

Other featured works include a project by Michael Rakowitz, who recreated stolen artworks from the Iraq War aftermath using everyday objects, and Yuki Kimura's pieces, which are born from the re-composition of photographs from her grandfather's belongings.



Furthermore, the exhibition highlights works addressing global migration and immigration. It also introduces projects by "Saishin-jin," a collective formed in 2007 by Japanese artist Tsuyoshi Ozawa, Korean artist Gimhongsok, and Chinese artist Chen Shaoxiong.

Inspired by the memories and histories of places, what thoughts and feelings arise within me, living in the present day, from the myriad stories evoked by these artistic expressions? I encourage you to visit and engage with the works.