IKIRO - Be Alive
Takahiro Suzuki

 

ikiro

鈴木貴博 - 生きろプロジェクト
© Takahiro Suzuki

about ikiro

「生きろ」という言葉は、もともと20歳頃につけていた日記の中で自分を励ますために書いていた言葉でした。 作家活動を始めてからも時々「生きろ」と書いては壁に貼ったりしていましたが、まさかそれが自分の表現手段 になるとは思いもしませんでした。しかしある頃から、「生きろ」という言葉に自分が支えられているのだと思うようになりました。そして、1997年ニューヨークで活動していた私は、アートプロジェクトとして「生きろ」と 毎日書き始めます。理由は、混沌とした時代の中で「生きろ」という言葉を書き続ける人がいてほしいという強い思いでした。その後、私は世界の様々な場所で「生きろ」と書き続け、「生きろ」という言葉を通し様々な環境 で生きる人達と出会いました。彼らとの出会いがなければ、今日まで私は「生きろ」を書き続けることはなかったと思います。
鈴木貴博


Dear Vincent Van Gogh

ikiro_paper
How are you doing Vincent?
I'm fine here.
Sorry that I didn't write a letter to you for so long.
I've been still writing "IKIRO".
Do you remember?
"IKIRO" is Japanese which can be translated into "Be Alive "in English.
I used this word "IKIRO" in the letter to you in 1986 for the first time.
At that time I always struggled to live my life and sometimes
I was disappointed with society.
Maybe I was too young.
The word "IKIRO" was the best word to encourage such a young guy.
It's really an energetic word, isn't it.

Since then I've experienced a lot of things with "IKIRO".
From 1994 to 1996, I lived in New York to study English and Art.
Do you know New York? Maybe you don't.
Anyway I went to New York.
It was really nice. Why? Because I got enough distance from my place so that I could see myself very well.
The experiences I had there are quite important still now.
"What's the possibility of Art?"
"What can I do through my life?"
Watching through others I slowly found my own style, writing "IKIRO".

Since the 5th of may in 1997 my birthday <Thank you for sending me nothing!>
I've been writing "IKIRO" everyday.
Writing "IKIRO" everyday.
Can you imagine? Of course the beginning was really hard.
You say it is just boring and really a pain the neck!!
Yes, it is actually. But I tried. Why...?
Why not?
Sometimes for a show, sometimes for friends, sometimes for myself, I wrote "IKIRO".
The more I wrote "IKIRO", the less I asked "Why?"

You know what? Whenever I write "IKIRO", I have to face myself with nothing.
Which means I newly know I'm alive here.
So I got used to writing "IKIRO" little by little.
And now. You can say it has become a kind of daily routine or meditation.
It's really interesting. You know why?
Because I feel "IKIRO" is not only Art but also a part of my daily life.

Recently I have been to many places in the world with "IKIRO".
There were so many things that I didn't know in the world.
During the trip, I wrote "IKIRO". It was like a communication.
Half of my bag was always filled with paper for "IKIRO".
Sometimes in front of many people, sometimes in front of a mountain, surrounded by natures,inside,
outside, big city, small village --- I wrote "IKIRO".
Each time from each place I felt something new even though sometimes it might not have made sense as Art.
But it didn't matter if it could be Art or not, because in this time the point of my interest moved from "Art" to "Creation".
I went to places which don't even have Art.
They produced food, clothing, shelter by themselves in simple ways.
I imagined the roots of creation when I saw that.

Vincent. Compared to your time, everything has become systematic and complicated.
I think we have come far from the basic idea of creation.
And one more thing.
It seems like we human beings never stop creation.
Don't you think so?
So I won't become negative.
Because the only thing we can do is creation.
"IKIRO" "IKIRO" "IKIRO". This is my spirit still now.
I feel like nothing has changed since the first "IKIRO" in 1986.
"IKIRO" is always "IKIRO".
What I want to say is I did write "IKIRO"
even if the exact meaning of "IKIRO" was not understood.
Even though nobody know if it was Art or not.
Because... I just wanted.
That's all.

I don't have any reason to write "IKIRO".
"IKIRO" is no more and no less than "IKIRO".
And I think... maybe I like "IKIRO".

See you soon. Chao!

鈴木貴博 - 生きろプロジェクト
© Takahiro Suzuki

ikiro project

document photo of ikiro project
「生きろプロジェクト」の記録写真


鈴木貴博 - 生きろプロジェクト
© Takahiro Suzuki

ikiro news

KARIRERU-ART「日曜絵画」
新しいプロジェクト始めます。

www.ikiro.net/karireruart

Takahiro Suzuki




Takahiro Suzuki Links

facebook:https://www.facebook.com/takahiro.suzuki
youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL
instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ikiro_net/

It's a tough time due to the influence of corona, but I will continue the activities of "Ikiro Project" and art works through various methods.
I pray that corona will settle down as soon as possible.

コロナの影響で大変な時期ですが、様々な方法を使って「生きろプロジェクト」やART活動を続けていきます。
一日も早くこの事態が収まることをお祈り致します。

Takahiro Suzuki April/24/2020

ikiro




「この星に生まれて」絵本原画展

2011年の震災以降に描き始めた絵画シリーズ「日曜絵画」を元に絵本の原作を作りました。今回は油絵5枚と作品写真11枚をストーリーにそって展示しています。
<Exhibition place>
星と森と絵本の家 
三鷹市大沢2-21-3 国立天文台内

<Date & Time>
2020年2月12日〜4月20日 
10:00〜17:00 (火曜休館)
https://www.city.mitaka.lg.jp/ehon/

動画はこちら>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcLZ4c2pmTg



"Born on this star" Picture book original picture exhibition

I made the original picture book based on the painting series "Sunday Painting" that I started painting after the 2011 earthquake. This time, 5 oil paintings and 11 photos of work are exhibited according to the story. The original painting exhibition has already been opened, but in fact it has not become a picture book yet. I hope a picture book will be published someday, so that many people can read it.

Takahiro_Suzuki



"
Noise of Silence: Japanese Art Now"Golden Thread Gallery

<Date & Time>
Sat 10th August - Sat 28th September 2019

<Exhibition place>
Golden Thread Gallery
84- 94 Great Patrick Street,
Belfast
BT1 2LU

Tel. +44 (0)28 90 330920
Email: info@gtgallery.co.uk

http://www.goldenthreadgallery.co.uk

IKIRO_Belfast




「この星に生まれて」鈴木貴博

〜優秀作に選ばれました〜
絵本の原画15枚には普段描いている「日曜絵画」を使いました。

~ I got an award for excellence ~
For the original pictures of the book I used 15 "Sunday paintings" that I usually paint.

http://www.city.mitaka.tokyo.jp/c_news/081/081109.html

この星に生まれて




omamori

「生きろ美術館」(お守り型)発売中

これは、お守りの形をした小さな美術館です。中には美術作家の鈴木貴博が書き綴った「生きろ」の紙が入っています。取り出して飾ることもできます。
鈴木は1997年から世界の様々な場所で「生きろ」という言葉を毎日書き続けています。そんな彼のライフワークである「生きろプロジェクト」の一片を納めたのが、この小さな美術館です。混沌とした時代の中で「生きろ」と書き続ける行為は、今日も続いています。彼の行為に共感される方にご購入頂けることを願います。購入額の一部はプロジェクトの資金、被災地等への寄付金とさせて頂きます。

© IKIRO-Junction

鈴木貴博 - 生きろプロジェクト
© Takahiro Suzuki

ikiro forest

mori
「生きろの森」ホームページ
http://mori.ikiro.net

鈴木貴博 - 生きろプロジェクト
© Takahiro Suzuki

contact

Canada

moji2

鈴木貴博 - 生きろプロジェクト
© Takahiro Suzuki

ikiro project

IKIRO_in NY_1
IKIRO in New York - Photo 1

This was the first IKIRO performance held outside Japan. Takahiro started writing IKIRO one year before the performance. He simply needed a lot of IKIRO papers for the installation he planned in the park. During the preparation he realized writing IKIRO everyday was as important a routine as the performance itself. It was a special feeling he had never experienced before. He thought this long-term expression could be a life project. The performance in the park lasted for 4 hours. He asked friends to distribute the concept sheets of the performance. Since then he has been writing IKIRO as an art project. Writing IKIRO with IKIRO papers became his performance style.

IKIRO_in_NY_2
IKIRO in New York - Photo 2

This was the first IKIRO performance held outside Japan. Takahiro started writing IKIRO one year before the performance. He simply needed a lot of IKIRO papers for the installation he planned in the park. During the preparation he realized writing IKIRO everyday was as important a routine as the performance itself. It was a special feeling he had never experienced before. He thought this long-term expression could be a life project. The performance in the park lasted for 4 hours. He asked friends to distribute the concept sheets of the performance. Since then he has been writing IKIRO as an art project. Writing IKIRO with IKIRO papers became his performance style.

IKIRO_House_1
The funeral of IKIRO house - Photo 1

When Takahiro was a child he went to a private art school. In the picture you can see the art school. The man in the framed picture below Takahiro is Ishikawa. He is the father of Takahiro's teacher. Ishikawa already passed away and he was the owner of the house. This exhibition was the collaboration between Takahiro & Ishikawa. In the house there was an exhibition dedicated to Ishikawa's memory. The outside walls were covered with IKIRO paper. Takahiro performed inside and outside of the house to make a connection between the dead and the living. The day after the exhibition, the house was torn down and a few months later a new house was built. It was the last day for this house.

IKIRO_House_2
The funeral of IKIRO house - Photo 2

When Takahiro was a child he went to a private art school. In the picture you can see the art school. The man in the framed picture below Takahiro is Ishikawa. He is the father of Takahiro's teacher. Ishikawa already passed away and he was the owner of the house. This exhibition was the collaboration between Takahiro & Ishikawa. In the house there was an exhibition dedicated to Ishikawa's memory. The outside walls were covered with IKIRO paper. Takahiro performed inside and outside of the house to make a connection between the dead and the living. The day after the exhibition, the house was torn down and a few months later a new house was built. It was the last day for this house.

IKIRO_at_Kailash_1
IKIRO in front of Mt. Kailash- Photo 1

When Takahiro traveled in the Takuramacan desert in1996 he met a backpacker who went to Mt. Kailash. The backpacker said, “Going there is very difficult because of the high altitude and bad road condition, sometimes people die on the way there. It is not a matter of you choosing Mt. Kailash, because Mt. Kailash chooses you.” Next year Takahiro visited Mt. Kailash to write “IKIRO” in front of the holy mountain. He started from Lhasa on a bicycle and also hitchhiked to get to Mt. Kailash. It was a really tough trip but on the way to there he learned a lot of things. Since then he has been combining travel and IKIRO performance as an art project.

IKIRO_at_Kailash_2
IKIRO in front of Mt. Kailash- Photo 2

When Takahiro traveled in the Takuramacan desert in1996 he met a backpacker who went to Mt. Kailash. The backpacker said, “Going there is very difficult because of the high altitude and bad road condition, sometimes people die on the way there. It is not a matter of you choosing Mt. Kailash, because Mt. Kailash chooses you.” Next year Takahiro visited Mt. Kailash to write “IKIRO” in front of the holy mountain. He started from Lhasa on a bicycle and also hitchhiked to get to Mt. Kailash. It was a really tough trip but on the way to there he learned a lot of things. Since then he has been combining travel and IKIRO performance as an art project.

IKIRO_in_Lumbini
IKIRO in Lumbini

Takahiro traveled in Tibet, India, and Sri-Lanka, and at the end he performed at a Tibetan temple in Lumbin, Nepal where Buddha was born. Takahiro had a collaboration with Buddhist monks for 1 hour. During this performance the monks read scriptures. People could watch this collaboration from outside. Takahiro is not a Buddhist monk but he likes the peaceful idea of Buddhism. Takahiro thinks writing IKIRO itself is a spiritual expression. It's also part of his philosophy.

IKIRO_in_Sli_Lanka
IKIRO in Boronnarwa

Takahiro considered what is the difference between creation and no creation. “Maybe the purest creation is to create nothing.” He went to India and Sri-Lanka to trace the roots of Buddhism, because he thought there might be some clues to the question. His work was not connected to any specific religion, but the idea writing IKIRO everyday is similar to the way people pray. He writes the words IKIRO as a human being. It does not matter which is better - a special writing or praying. Writing IKIRO slowly became a kind of meditation.

IKIRO_in_Africa_1
IKIRO in Africa - Photo 1

Takahiro went to some countries in Africa to think about the roots of creation. At that time he was more interested in cultural anthropology than contemporary art. He visited many tribes who are based on primitive living. Their simple way of living inspired Takahiro and the IKIRO project. He sometimes wrote IKIRO in front of the people who were really poor. This bitter experience motivated him to introduce the donation systems in the IKIRO project later. One day he had a collaboration with the Datoga tribe. He pantomimed and wrote IKIRO, and they performed a traditional ritual. It was like exchanging spirits.

IKIRO_in_Africa_2
IKIRO in Africa - Photo 2

Takahiro went to some countries in Africa to think about the roots of creation. At that time he was more interested in cultural anthropology than contemporary art. He visited many tribes who are based on primitive living. Their simple way of living inspired Takahiro and the IKIRO project. He sometimes wrote IKIRO in front of the people who were really poor. This bitter experience motivated him to introduce the donation systems in the IKIRO project later. One day he had a collaboration with the Datoga tribe. He pantomimed and wrote IKIRO, and they performed a traditional ritual. It was like exchanging spirits.

鈴木貴博 - 生きろプロジェクト
© Takahiro Suzuki

ikiro project

IKIRO_Factory_1
IKIRO Factory - Photo 1

The exhibition "IKIRO Factory" was held in a former traditional Kimono factory. The atmosphere of the exhibition was calm and Takahiro only used natural daylight for the installation. He stood by the desk and kept writing IKIRO quietly. The IKIRO papers he had written in many countries were installed on the floor. This installation became the basic style of the IKIRO project. At that time Takahiro established a temporary Art unit "IKIRO-Junction" with some artists. Visitors were able to go to the cafe in the factory and read books about IKIRO project. Since this exhibition the donation system has been combined with the project.

IKIRO_Factory_2
IKIRO Factory - Photo 2

The exhibition "IKIRO Factory" was held in a former traditional Kimono factory. The atmosphere of the exhibition was calm and Takahiro only used natural daylight for the installation. He stood by the desk and kept writing IKIRO quietly. The IKIRO papers he had written in many countries were installed on the floor. This installation became the basic style of the IKIRO project. At that time Takahiro established a temporary Art unit "IKIRO-Junction" with some artists. Visitors were able to go to the cafe in the factory and read books about IKIRO project. Since this exhibition the donation system has been combined with the project.

IKIRO_Cafe_1
IKIRO Cafe

An art unit IKIRO Junction set up a temporary cafe and sold IKIRO junction goods. 
Visitors could stay and read some information books about IKIRO Junction. Beside Takahiro, the artists Yoko Kuroda and Shuko Terada; and the architect Yoshiaki Nagasaka were members of this Cafe. Takahiro sat at the corner of the room and typed IKIRO. People could see this action through the Internet. At the end of the exhibition Yoko Iida and Hiroko Nakamura held a dance performance.

IKIRO_in_Berlin_1
IKIRO in Berlin - Photo 1

Takahiro wrote IKIRO at the entrance of an exhibition called "Undabude Post 2000" in Berlin. This international group exhibition was held for a month. There were many visitors especially at the opening there were more than 3000 people. 
Every night they had a special music or dance program which attracted many different kinds of people. It was a good experience for Takahiro to see the people's reaction to IKIRO performance, and to know how IKIRO expression works with people as an art project in Europe.
It was the first IKIRO project in Europe.

IKIRO_in_Berlin_2
IKIRO in Berlin - Photo 2

Takahiro wrote IKIRO at the entrance of an exhibition called "Undabude Post 2000" in Berlin. This international group exhibition was held for a month. There were many visitors especially at the opening there were more than 3000 people. 
Every night they had a special music or dance program which attracted many different kinds of people. It was a good experience for Takahiro to see the people's reaction to IKIRO performance, and to know how IKIRO expression works with people as an art project in Europe.
It was the first IKIRO project in Europe.

IKIRO_Kroller_Muller_1
IKIRO in the Kröller-Müller Museum - Photo 1

Takahiro participated in the exhibition at Kröller-Müller Museum in the Netherlands. He made an IKIRO installation in the museum and constantly wrote IKIRO outside of the building surrounded by nature for 5 months. He also made a potato field next to his desk to think about the basic idea of creation. He found similarities between writing IKIRO and planting potatoes. It was also a homage to the painting "Potato eater" by Vincent Van Gogh in the museum. He filmed conversations with visitors sometimes and made a documentary video later. It was the longest IKIRO performance so far inside a museum.

IKIRO_Kroller_Muller_2
IKIRO in the Kröller-Müller Museum - Photo 2

Takahiro participated in the exhibition at Kröller-Müller Museum in the Netherlands. He made an IKIRO installation in the museum and constantly wrote IKIRO outside of the building surrounded by nature for 5 months. He also made a potato field next to his desk to think about the basic idea of creation. He found similarities between writing IKIRO and planting potatoes. It was also a homage to the painting "Potato eater" by Vincent Van Gogh in the museum. He filmed conversations with visitors sometimes and made a documentary video later. It was the longest IKIRO performance so far inside a museum.

IKIRO_at_Sonsbeek_1
IKIRO at Sonsbeek

Takahiro performed at the opening of the international exhibition, Sonsbeek 9, directed by Jan Hoet. 
Takahiro was absent from the Kröller-Müller Museum one day to participate in Sonsbeek9. To perform inside the shopping mall was a totally different experience from performing in the museum. He enjoyed the people's reactions in the shopping mall. After the opening he put the documentary video shown on the place were the performance was held in the shopping mall during the whole exhibition. Both locations were shown, the museum & the shopping mall.

IKIRO_in_Genk_1
IKIRO in Genk - Photo 1

The city of Genk was famous for the coalmine before they closed it. The exhibition was held for the one hundredth anniversary of the first successful coal digging in this town. The exhibition took place inside the former coal main factory. Takahiro used a huge storage room, called the "Magazijn" with a size of 30 meters by 80 meters, for his installation. He covered the floor with sand. He placed the IKIRO papers on burned wood. These natural materials symbolize the cycle of life and the return to the earth.

IKIRO_in_Genk_2
IKIRO in Genk - Photo 2

The city of Genk was famous for the coalmine before they closed it. The exhibition was held for the one hundredth anniversary of the first successful coal digging in this town. The exhibition took place inside the former coal main factory. Takahiro used a huge storage room, called the "Magazijn" with a size of 30 meters by 80 meters, for his installation. He covered the floor with sand. He placed the IKIRO papers on burned wood. These natural materials symbolize the cycle of life and the return to the earth.

鈴木貴博 - 生きろプロジェクト
© Takahiro Suzuki

ikiro project

IKIRO_Museum
IKIRO Museum

Takahiro opened the IKIRO Museum, very small and located on the 1st floor in his apartment. The apartment was a very old style house but in the center of Osaka. It took nearly one year to renovate, and his friends helped him to open the museum.

IKIRO_at_ISCP_1
IKIRO Room

Takahiro took the program of ISCP (International Studio & Curatorial Program) in New York and kept writing IKIRO and also painted IKIRO constantly.  He put tiles on the floor and 2 mirrors on the wall for the installation. Takahiro had different feelings from his time in New York in back in 1996. He thought time really changes day by day, especially in a big city like New York or Tokyo.  While he was in the program many people visited his studio and talked about the IKIRO Project.

ikiro_p_16
IKIRO Painting

Shinnie Kim who is a Program’s Manager of ISCP organized the exhibition. Takahiro made a big IKIRO painting on the wall and the floor in the gallery. Takahiro stayed at the gallery and kept writing IKIRO and sometimes talked to the visitors. After this exhibition he moved to Berlin and lived there for 3 years.

IKIRO_in-Hong_Kong
IKIRO in Hong Kong

It was an exchange residence program of Japanese artists, and artists from Hong Kong. Takahiro stayed in Hong Kong for few days and collected the material and made his work. Takahiro showed a video installation of IKIRO in the room. He took the idea for the video from the end roll of a Hong Kong movie. He also made a Hong Kong-styled "IKIRO" wall outside. It was a group show with Yoshiaki Kaihatsu, Shiro Masuyama and Atsuko Arai.

Bethanien_1
IKIRO at Bethanien - Photo 1

This exhibition was held at Kuenstlerhaus Bethanien GmbH Studio 1, which was used as a church before. Takahiro performed writing IKIRO and exhibited an installation with sheets of IKIRO paper, a big IKIRO painting made from the soil of Bethanien, IKIRO drawings, photos of the IKIRO project. He also showed a video of 1970's Bethanien and photos of 160 years Bethanien history. There was an interview video of Michael Haerdter (the former director of Kuenstlerhaus Bethanien) and Dietlinde Peters (a member of Kreuzberg Museum) at the exhibition. Takahiro were also in the international studio program of Kuenstlerhaus Bethanien for one year.

Bethanien_3
IKIRO at Bethanien - Photo 2

This exhibition was held at Kuenstlerhaus Bethanien GmbH Studio 1, which was used as a church before. Takahiro performed writing IKIRO and exhibited an installation with sheets of IKIRO paper, a big IKIRO painting made from the soil of Bethanien, IKIRO drawings, photos of the IKIRO project. He also showed a video of 1970's Bethanien and photos of 160 years Bethanien history. There was an interview video of Michael Haerdter (the former director of Kuenstlerhaus Bethanien) and Dietlinde Peters (a member of Kreuzberg Museum) at the exhibition. Takahiro were also in the international studio program of Kuenstlerhaus Bethanien for one year.

IKIRO_in_Saarland_1
IKIRO in Saarland - Photo 1

This Exhibition was held at Volklingr Steel factory, which was the biggest steel factory in Germany. Now it is a UNESCO site. Takahiro traced the history of this factory. He used the red soil of Luxemburg and coal of Volklingr to make IKIRO on the grand. These were the exact same materials that people used in the factory to produce steel. Takahiro stayed there for 10 days to make the installation. After Takahiro left the space, people could step on the installation so that the 2 colors of IKIRO would be mixed together little by little. This process stood for making no border between the countries. Volklingr was sometimes part of France and sometimes part of Germany throughout its history.

IKIRO_in_Saarland_2
IKIRO in Saarland - Photo 1

This Exhibition was held at Volklingr Steel factory, which was the biggest steel factory in Germany. Now it is a UNESCO site. Takahiro traced the history of this factory. He used the red soil of Luxemburg and coal of Volklingr to make IKIRO on the grand. These were the exact same materials that people used in the factory to produce steel. Takahiro stayed there for 10 days to make the installation. After Takahiro left the space, people could step on the installation so that the 2 colors of IKIRO would be mixed together little by little. This process stood for making no border between the countries. Volklingr was sometimes part of France and sometimes part of Germany throughout its history.

IKIRO_in_Cork_1
IKIRO in Cork - Photo 1

It was held in a former factory. Takahiro made a big ship shape with the material he found in the factory. He hung IKIRO papers in the ship and put the marks of  "SEI ", which is a part of IKIRO letters on the ground with straw. Mick O'Shea is a visual/sound artist whose collaboration with Takahiro took the form of a non-verbal conversation where the vocabulary element was the amplified writing of IKIRO and sampled sounds taken from the space and the local environment. The manipulated sounds were played back into the space and improvised so sound and writing are in dialogue.

IKIRO_in_Cork_2
IKIRO in Cork - Photo 2

It was held in a former factory. Takahiro made a big ship shape with the material he found in the factory. He hung IKIRO papers in the ship and put the marks of  "SEI ", which is a part of IKIRO letters on the ground with straw. Mick O'Shea is a visual/sound artist whose collaboration with Takahiro took the form of a non-verbal conversation where the vocabulary element was the amplified writing of IKIRO and sampled sounds taken from the space and the local environment. The manipulated sounds were played back into the space and improvised so sound and writing are in dialogue.

鈴木貴博 - 生きろプロジェクト
© Takahiro Suzuki

ikiro project

IKIRO_in_Dingle_1
IKIRO - Evanescent

Takahiro painted with the peat moss he took from nature in Dingle. He also did an action throwing the IKIRO papers with fire. Takahiro got a strong inspiration from the countryside in Dingle. He also felt he is a part of nature and life is limited.

IKIRO_in_Dingle_3
IKIRO for the Future

This is a 2 person exhibition. The exhibition title is "Aireagla´n" which means a small hermitage. It comes from a poem from the Middle Ages in Ireland. Takahiro made a Japanese ancient style tomb at the backyard of Failte Roimh Church. There are IKIRO art works in side of the tomb. Takahiro also put 5 letters for the future inside. 5 letters were written by An t O´ll Padraig O´ Fiannachta, T.P.O´ Concu´blair, Sister De Sales Dforgan, Caoimhghin O´ Fraithile, Takahiro Suzuki.
People can see inside through a hole. This work stays as a permanent exhibit.

IKIRO_Museum_2
Life Project

Takahiro and Hironari Kubota, two Japanese artists performed together. It was an exhibition about the exchanging spirit and energy of the two artists.
Hironari is an artist who created a sculpture of a rotating car, and performs with Japanese music.
Takahiro kept writing the word IKIRO throughout the exhibition at the IKIRO Museum he made.
Takahiro and Hironari had a kind of ritualistic performance together. For example Takahiro wrote IKIRO on Hironari's body before his Trabant's performance.

IKIRO_for_Sky
IKIRO for the Nature

There were three IKIRO Museums in the world. The first museum was in Osaka. The second one was at Theaterhasu Mitte in Berlin, and the last one was in Schuesshof. The IKIRO Museum in Schuesshof was surrounded by a lot of nature. This picturesque place was an ideal for an IKIRO Museum. It is located at a seminar house, organized by Takahiro's friends Gerd Barnewitz and Cristina Biaggi B. The IKIRO project was dedicated to nature in Schluesshof for a special exhibition. In order to leave a message for the future, Takahiro sank IKIRO ceramic works made by the technic of primitive age. Takahiro also made a big IKIRO sign on the field.

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IKIRO at Dock 11

Takahiro had a performance with contemporary dancers on the stage. Takahiro made shapes of IKIRO with a stencil and wheat. He spread the IKIRO little by little during the show. Some of the IKIRO disappeared with the dancers and some of them were left. The impression of the stage was changed black to white by the phenomenon IKIRO became wheat powder. At the end Takahiro made a big IKIRO on the stage with his action.

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IKIRO with 100 Children

Takahiro did a workshop and held an event with 100 children, teachers and staff at a former orphanage in Gorzow in Poland.
Each balloon had colorful IKIRO signs and a one-word message written by each child. On a signal from Takahiro 100 balloons flew in the sky at the same time. Children gave shouts of joy. This experience gave him a new feeling for the IKIRO Project. He thought everyone could share the energy of the word IKIRO with this kind of workshop.

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IKIRO with Boys & Girls

Takahiro has been doing IKIRO workshops with people. In his workshop usually he gives a lecture with IKIRO documents, then people write IKIRO. They write 2 times, and they get one sheet of IKIRO, and one is kept for the IKIRO Project as a document. After the workshop people put their own IKIRO sheets in their houses or offices, then people will get energy or inspiration from them. Takahiro thinks these IKIRO have special meaning for people because they wrote the words IKIRO by themselves.

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IKIRO in Kesennuma

Takahiro worked as a volunteer for a week in Kesennuma Miyagi which got damaged by the earthquake and Tsunami on March 11, 2011. The reconstruction of this area is still going on. One day Takahiro went to Kesennuma Osima which also suffered the Tsunami. He removed rubble with other volunteers there. During break time he went to a beach and drew IKIRO on the beach. He felt life is tough sometimes. He reflect on the IKIRO Project at the beach quietly and he also thought he goes with the word "IKIRO" in this world.

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IKIRO Forest

On January 17, 1995 there was the Kobe-Awazi earthquake disaster. The people who got damage at Nishinomiya shopping street at that time made IKIRO Forest for  prayer, with IKIRO papers written by participants. There were 3 prayer events organized by Ebisu street team & Takahiro, and this attempt will continue in the future. The students of Imazu High School, Mukogawa Women's University, Hmawaki junior high school also participated in this project the last 3 times. 50 bamboo branches were installed at the stage and more than 3000 people wrote IKIRO on the sheets of paper and hung them on the branches.

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IKIRO for 15 Years Anniversary

The Japanese word “IKIRO” consists of a Chinese character “生”and 2 Japanese Hiragana letters. The origin of the letter “生” comes from China more than 3000 years ago. 
This time Takahiro made an IKIRO installation on the floor with 2 materials at the opening. One was the red soil from 53 Museum in China. The other one was white wheat flour from Japan. Both colors stand for the flags of China and Japan. Two materials mixed on the floor and become one installation. The IKIRO project documentatary video was on the wall in the room. 
The day April 1, 2012 was the 15th anniversary for IKIRO project.

鈴木貴博 - 生きろプロジェクト
© Takahiro Suzuki