PSYCHOBUILDING®
Artist
Gregory Maass & Nayoungim
Philosophical Discussions on “Meaning” Success is a symbiotic relationship that parasitizes individuals, personalities, or objects. From an economic perspective, it is a mechanism for exploiting labor, functioning as a disguised system of exploitation that incorporates individual characteristics such as productivity, talent, beauty, strength, intelligence, and technology. Success pretends to be a “story that creates meaning,” but in reality, it restricts individual behavior.
Motivation does not depend on others’ evaluations or material rewards. It arises from within, driven by one’s own interests and sense of accomplishment. Ambition, on the other hand, is based on unfounded assumptions such as “if I were…” or “if I could achieve…,” and much of it is nothing more than fantasy.
Human choices are influenced by the circumstances of the moment and shape the sense of “meaning.” However, choices are not necessarily derived from meaning, and vice versa. There is a self-referential and endless loop.
Burning incense, drinking black coffee, cutting one’s hair. Even such everyday acts can be perceived as meaningful. Even if they involve acts that harm others, such as smoking, smuggling by submarine, inventing explosives, or being confined as a death row inmate, “meaning” can still be found there.
The concept of meaning is multi-layered and complex. It is inseparable from the concept of time, and while it has qualities such as “consistency” and “insight,” it is also explanatory and predictive. So, what kind of meaning do I have for my work, or for the world?
Is there meaning beyond death? Can we find the purpose of life in its aftermath?
Humans have the power to reflect on themselves. They can be aware of their own existence and direct their insight into the depths of their thoughts, emotions, and spirit, which can be called their “inner organs.”
In this project, we plan to exhibit works at multiple venues in Chiba City.
Schedule
・June 2025: Conduct research in Chiba while creating works. ・June 2025: Conduct research in Chiba while creating works.
・July–August 2025: Create and adjust works.
・September–November 2025: Hold an exhibition and workshops.
・July–August 2025: Create and refine the artwork.
・September–November 2025: Hold an exhibition and workshops.
・Project Director Takashi Iwasawa
・Project Manager Joy Yonebayashi, Hideyo Ryoken
・Project Coordinator Tingyu (Amber) Hu