“KOMA” Asia Triennial Manchester (2018)

Masumi was commissioned by Asia Triennial Manchester to make a piece for opening night at HOME Manchester. She has created original work KOMA which reflect the theme for the festival, ‘who do you think you are?’. She explored the subject through a participatory performance, where the audience is triggered to reflect on notions of physicality and identity. KOMA presents subversive elements that allow Masumi to alter the audience’s role in this experience.

Concept Text:
KOMA reflects the theme from Asia Triennial Manchester, ‘who do you think you are?’ Mirrors not only reflect our reality perceptually but also symbolise both a physical and spiritual reflection. In performance, it amplifies the differences in society, with all its colours, customs and roles, in a hyper-realistic way. Using a mirror allows me to change their view and participation in the art without needing their consent. KOMA presents subversive elements that would enable me to alter the audience’s role in this experience.

鏡は姿形だけでなく、心の中の様子を全てありのままに反映する。私は作品の中でよく鏡を使うが、その中に移る自分の姿と対峙するときの観客の反応は様々である。興味あらわにその対峙した世界と向き合える者、突然作品の中に組み込まれた自分の姿を直視できずに目線を逸らす者。鏡を使い観客と演者の境界線を取り払い、同じ空間で作品を共有するものとして、その存在や立ち位置に疑問を投げかける。そこに居合す一人一人が作品に重要な「駒」であり、ともにその作品の「一コマ」を作る要素である。そこに、傍観者は存在しない。

Supported by Nakanojo Biennale