The creative unit Palab is bringing a new perspective to everyday objects that are discarded as "useless," and an exhibition titled "Tsukae Sou Exhibition: Not meant to work (but that's ok)" will be held from August 23rd to 31st at 8/CUBE on the 8th floor Shibuya Hikarie.

The exhibition features a collection of works made from scraps of wood, or "hazai," that are accidentally generated in factories and on the streets. Items that would otherwise be discarded are given a little extra work, and presented as sculptures that float between "usable" and "unusable." Viewers are invited to stand in front of these works and let their imaginations run wild, wondering, "What could this be used for?"

Palab is a unit formed by Yamano Yasutoshi and Nakazato Yosuke, both graduates of Tama Art University, and has been based in Kiyosumi Shirakawa since around 2012. They have been creating unique works using scraps of paper, wood, metal, glass, and other materials donated by surrounding factories. The reason they choose to write "hazai" in katakana is to refer to scraps that they have found to have potential for use among the many scraps available.

The duo's definition of "hazai" refers to something that is created by chance, regardless of human intention. For example, the outer part that is left over when cutting something in a factory. On the other hand, things that have an inherent purpose or meaning, such as plastic bottles, are not included in the "hazai" category. They find interest in these unexpected shapes.

At last year's event at the same venue, an installation called "Hazai Sushi" was held, modeling a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant. Participants used sponge as the "sushi rice" and hazai as the "neta" to create their own original sushi.

This exhibition is centered around the display of artworks, while retaining some interactive elements. There are attempts to explore the boundaries between "usable" and "unusable," such as a piece that combines scrap wood with a shoe heel, and a sculpture that uses a lump of acrylic accidentally created during the manufacturing process of a 3D printer as a "handle."

In the back space, Palab will be selling a set of recommended hezai, and visitors can also choose and combine their own. There will also be workshops where visitors can try their hand at making artwork based on the "Sekimoriishi" (Sekimori Stones) found in Japanese gardens and tea plantations, and making pin badges using paper hezai.

In today's society where efficiency and functionality are required, Palab asks, "Isn't the space to enjoy what we can't use a true sense of richness?" This exhibition is likely to be a place where visitors can encounter new ideas that arise from distancing themselves from rationality and changing the way they look at things.

Admission is free and the exhibition runs until August 31st.

Venue