Daisy Balloon was created by the balloon artist Rie Hosokai and art director and graphic designer Takashi Kawada, both born in 1976. Since its establishment in 2008, the duo has created many balloon artworks on themes aimed at sharpening human perception and exploring materiality. The production of Daisy Balloon, which ranges from large-scale installations to dressmaking, has fascinated audiences through the complexity of details that allude to architectural structures. Drawing from philosophical topics, their daily research consists of interacting with people and objects. The vision that guides their works is to reach the essential harmony between people and everything in their surroundings.
The water of oceans and rivers transforms into clouds and, as rain, returns once again to its initial state. It is through such constant cycles that nature maintains its equilibrium. This process does not occur arbitrarily, nor out of some sudden desire – transformations only happen by nature’s designs.
We at Daisy Balloon defined nature’s cycles and balance as the theme for this installation. The structure represents the “process of nature”, and the reflection of the lighting on the balloons represents “wisdom of nature”.
The subtle breeze that arises as the visitors walk near the installation makes the balloons spin slowly. As a result, more light is refracted and intersected. This effect expresses that, just as worldviews change according to different cultures and the trajectory of each society, the teachings we receive from nature also expand in a plural manner. Simultaneously, at the intersection of these phenomena, we feel a great sense of hope arising.
It is said that our planet was formed nearly 4.6 billion years ago. Since then, life on earth has continually evolved based on the knowledge transmitted by nature. Today, as we witness the destruction of many types of balance, we believe that we still have much to learn from nature. Through this work, we wish to create an opportunity to think and discuss the wisdom that nature may yet transmit to us.
Daisy Balloon
Cycles
Learning about these two contemporary artists and designers who produce works of art using the same element – the balloon – happened after extensive research and culminated in a in person meeting during a trip to Japan in 2018. Ever since then, there have been countless exchanges and conversations which led to the opening of Equilíbrio [Balance].
A balloon is an element that we normally associate with celebrations and festivities. It is, in essence, ephemeral. It deflates. Slowly. As if indicating an approaching end.
The material of the installation created for Japan House São Paulo was developed to have greater durability and resistance, and to react with light, but never pretending to hide its intrinsic fragility. To achieve that, the artists took these factors and many other inspirations into consideration.
The way space is occupied, the diversity of shapes and sizes of the balloons, the importance of the incidence of light to spark a broad irradiation spectrum, the gentle movement caused by natural wind in the gallery or by the passing of the visitors’ bodies… all of this evokes macro – but quite simple – questions about our lives.
The effects of time can be perceived, subtly, as the days go by, just like in our existence.
Without trying to hide or disguise it, without making it a lament, but transforming destiny into a realization, Rie Hosokai and Takashi Kawada propose a suspended rain, hinting at the precipitation of clouds or raindrops. Or do they intend to show it ascending? This common cycle is imbued with much symbolism.
This is a sensory proposal meant to bring about free inspiration and contemplation. However, in their presentation, the duo raises a collective awareness for appreciating nature, in this quest for a much-desired Balance.
Natasha Barzaghi Geenen
Cultural Director and curator of the exhibition
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