Beyond the Borders -the Ocean is a returning artwork for the Setouchi Triennale by Lin Shuen Long. The artwork was originally on Teshima for 2013 and returned to Taiwan afterwards. It was an artwork that I was not able to see as I was on Teshima for the 2013 spring edition of the Triennale but I was happy to see it for the 2016 edition as it was a permanent fixture in Takamatsu.
Beyond the Borders – the Ocean
Beyond the Borders – the Ocean
Lin Shuen Long really created a creepy yet interactive artwork with Beyond the Borders -the Ocean. I heard that this artwork takes on the idea of a seed that floats on the ocean and travels from place to place. The concept of this artwork is really interesting but I couldn’t get much information on it in English and it was difficult to research it completely.
Beyond the Borders – the Ocean
Beyond the Borders – the Ocean
Beyond the Borders -the Ocean is itself located near the pier of Takamatsu, in a large open grass field. It was really interesting to see the location but it would have worked better if it was on a beach, similar to where it was on Teshima. There is a ramp that lets you walk towards the opening and into the seed. The opening is actually a little scary as there are wooden branches with points at the end that stretch out from the opening similar to some sort of creature’s tentacles trying to eat you.
Entrance to Beyond the Borders – the Ocean
Entrance to Beyond the Borders – the Ocean
Once you get inside you can really enjoy the craft of this artwork. The wood has aged well and it looks amazing inside. There is enough space for a dozen people and there was even a concert inside during the Triennale. There is a small gong that was placed near the opening and you could hear it being rung during the Triennale. It was a fun and interactive idea for the artwork that made it even better.
Entrance to Beyond the Borders – the Ocean
Entrance to Beyond the Borders – the Ocean
Beyond the Borders -the Ocean is a really fun artwork by Lin Shuen Long. I’m unsure of the true meaning of the artwork but I was happy to see it. It is an amazing piece to walk in and around and I hope to see it again in another location in 2019.
Beyond the Borders – the Ocean
Beyond the Borders – the Ocean
Beyond the Borders – the Ocean
Inside Beyond the Borders – the Ocean
Inside Beyond the Borders – the Ocean
Inside Beyond the Borders – the Ocean
Information
- Beyond the Border -the Ocean (Official Setouchi Triannale Site)
- Lin Shuen Long (Official Facebook Page)
As you mentioned, it “should” be located on a beach.
When it was on Teshima, it looked really amazing… Approaching it was like stepping into another reality where giant seeds wash ashore from time to time.
Unfortunately Takamatsu has no decent beach, so on Art Plaza in Sunport it is.
I really like how it integrates with its surroundings though, especially with Symbol Tower in the background.
Note that there is an explicative notice (In English and Japanese, Chinese too?) in the north west corner, it may have not been there yet when you came.
Finally, I got to attend the concert, I only talked about it on my French blog: https://ogijima.fr/sundrum-a-takamatsu/ but there is a short video. Not my kind of music, but they made an interesting use of the place.
(when it was built in 2013, its original purpose was a stage for a theater play, and it was designed for that play – or the play was written for that stage, not sure… and I didn’t see it.)
Yes, the placement with Symbol Tower in the background is really good. I wonder if there are other places in Takamatsu where it would look better. I can’t really think of any but can you?
There was no information last I remember. I will have to look at it next time.
I remember you sharing that video a while back. I watched some of it but it was almost too much like performance art. It was definitely fun to watch though. Wonder if they plan to have other events there in the future. Would be good for small one man plays and such.
I can’t think of another place in town where he’d fit nicely, or that would be in some of the parks far inland, where tourists don’t go.
True enough. I wonder how it would look if they built a floating island just off the pier… I know, too expensive, but would be pretty cool to see it floating out there.
Could be interesting indeed. 🙂