Mayumi Kuri created my favourite artwork on Ogijima, Memory Bottle. I had no idea what I was in for in 2013 when I first visited this artwork. When I walked in, I was amazed at what I saw. Memory Bottle is a collection of bottles that form a central column inside an old store house. There are also other groups of bottles that make “chandelier” style objects surrounding the central column.
Outside Memory Bottle
Outside Memory Bottle
When visiting Memory Bottle, you really need to take your time with it. You need to go slowly, looking inside each bottle. Each bottle has a memory stored inside it with a flickering LED light. The light is soft and the memories beautiful. Most of the memories are photos from the island’s residents, but there are also a few toys. You can see small toy cars and bikes, stamps, ferry tickets, and everything else that is small.
Memory Bottle
Memories of Memory Bottle
My favourite images to see in the bottles were the weddings. It was also great to see kids playing or just other people of the island having fun. The artwork hasn’t changed since I saw it in 2013 and while I don’t want it to change I think it needs to start changing. Ogijima is growing and the residents are also changing. It would be great to see some additions or small changes to reflect the changes on Ogijima, but at the same time it is a time capsule for what the island was before the festival came.
Memory Bottle
Toys of Memory Bottle
I will always look forward to seeing Memory Bottle whenever I’m on Ogijima. It will always be my favourite for its connection with the island. It is getting busier and busier and I can imagine that there may be lines to get in on the really busy days. Thankfully I was not there when it was busy and I could enjoy it with only a couple of other visitors.
Kids of Memory Bottle
Memory Bottle
Memory Bottle
Memory Bottle
Memory Bottle
Memory Bottle
Information
- Memory Bottle (Official Setouchi Triennale Site)
- Memory Bottles (Setouchi Explorer)
I don’t think it needs to change. As you say, it’s memories of life on the island before, it doesn’t have to stay “up-to-date”
And on a practical side, not sure how it could be changed without totally “changing it” as in make a completely different artwork.
Concerning lines, I don’t think that’s something visitors need to worry about much. Luckily, Ogijima is not Naoshima and lines are never very long (well, I’ve seen decent sized lines for Sea Vine and Akinorium before).
Now, it’s true that I tend to avoid the island (or at least the artworks) on very busy days.
Actually, I’m going today and sometimes Golden Week can be as busy as the Triennale (actually I’ve seen longer lines on Naoshima for Golden Week than for the Triennale), so we’ll see. 🙂
As I said, I only think small changes should be allowed, if at all. If I was the artist and wanted to update it to be more in tune with what is happening, I would do things such as put photos of the new kids, maybe when a future wedding happens, add that, and so on. I would still keep 90% of the photos and trinkets the same.
Ogijima has been busier than 2013, and there can be lines if you have a group of 10 or more visiting together. That is the worst as things are overloaded and you just have to wait for them to pass. I doubt there will be long lines all day, like on Naoshima, but it could be busy at times.
I still envy you for being able to go to Ogi. I would love to be able to spend an afternoon or so there once a month or so, but I don’t live where you live so that is out of the question.