In an otherwise unassuming neighborhood in Beppu, Ōita Prefecture, Japan, a modest residence has undergone an unusual transformation. Thanks to Japenese art collective 目, the two-story private home has been hollowed out, in a sense, to create a literal cavern.
目 translates to “eye” and is pronounced “mé,” and the group comprises artist Haruka Kojin, director Kenji Minamigawa, and installer Hirofumi Masui. The trio’s focus revolves around conceiving works that encourage new ways of seeing the world as it constantly changes and evolves before us. Often playing with perception, pieces have included ocean swells that appear frozen in time and space and giant balloons of people’s faces that float above urban centers.
“Space II” sits in a residential neighborhood of a city renowned for its natural hot springs, known as onsen, which attract visitors to local resorts. Tapping into the geological and geothermal character of the area, 目 has created an otherworldly installation resembling a cave reminiscent of tourist attractions with metal steps and railings. Gaping holes in the exterior make it appear as if the structure was carved from rock to look like a house rather than the other way around.
“Space II” is a continuation of a theme begun with a piece called “Space” in 2020, in which 目 constructed a narrow, contemporary exhibition space in the second story of an otherwise typical home in the city of Aomori. Visitors will be able to step inside of “Space II,” with reservations slated to open on 目’s website later this month. Follow updates on Instagram.
