Description
Hirata's work has focused on making environments, houses and rooms out of wax and other materials. Initially, Hirata was preoccupied with the idea of creating personal space. In recent years, he has used parrafin wax exclusively, designing larger and more diverse structures. Using a long and laborious construction technique, Hirata tests his endurance. In the final structure, the tactile nature of the wax and the diffusion of light through the wax walls creates an isolating environment that can evoke a meditative response from the viewer. The installation at the Mattress Factory is among the largest wax houses that he has made. It is the first time that daylight will be the light source. Visitors will be able to observe the changing effect of the the sun's light on the atmosphere in the room.
Artist Statement
Covering the floor and walls of the entire exhibition space with paraffin wax, I will produce a room of white light. Taking in light from the outside, the brightness of the room will change with time. As a lot of light will pour into the room from the rear window, I will produce an installation that will seem to make the back wall radiate with light.
The room of white light itself will not especially symbolize anything nor will it express a specific image. Instead I hope that the visitors who enter the room will, through their own spirituality, feel as though they are in a sacred space. With the effect of the change in lighting that is created by the passage of time, I hope that I will be able to reproduce a “spiritual space” that will in turn produce a psychological effect – and touch the souls of the visitors that enter this room made of light.
