The Flow of Kindness
Artist
Zhang Jie (ReBuild Lab)
※Part of the artwork has been damaged and is currently undergoing restoration. We will announce the reopening of the exhibition at a later date. (Added October 13, 2025)
This proposal is primarily centered around a temporary timber structure installation that extends across the public square at Chiba City Zoological Park. It also represents a collaborative public art initiative, created with the citizens of Chiba.
The curved form of the installation was inspired by the image of people standing hand in hand, forming a line side by side—reminiscent of Matisse’s iconic painting The Dance. It symbolizes the enduring presence of support and companionship, conveying the message that, no matter the circumstances, people always be able to support one another.
The surface of the installation will be treated as a blackboard, with the overall length spanning between 20 and 30 meters. The exact shape will adapt to the specific conditions of Chiba City Zoological Park’s public square. During the opening and throughout the exhibition period of the Chiba City Arts Triennale, citizens will be invited to collectively draw and write “encouraging messages for strangers” on the blackboard with colored chalk.
This proposal seeks to encourage an exchange of goodwill, inviting individuals to express kindness in a simple, yet profound manner. It offers a gentle and heartfelt way to convey a message of reassurance to those facing challenges or criticism in life: “It’s okay, you’re doing wonderfully, and keep going.”
Schedule
・May 2025: Begin coordination with the manufacturing plant and proceed with detailed design of the installation. Consider safety, ease of movement and reuse, specific installation and dismantling methods, and on-site maintenance procedures.
・June 2025: Create design drawings and request sample production of the unit at the Chinese factory. At the same time, conduct safety and reusability tests on the sample.
・July 2025: Plan to complete production at the Chinese factory. Simultaneously, contact shipping companies to prepare for transportation to Japan (scheduled to arrive by early August at the latest).
・August–November 2025: Plan to display the installations at various locations within Chiba City.
・Late November–December 2025: Plan to conclude the exhibition and dismantle the installations.
・Project Director Takashi Iwasawa
・Project Manager Joy Yonebayashi, Hideyo Ryoken
・Project Coordinator Tingyu (Amber) Hu