--From the text of the exhibition introduction--

One of my research methods involves exploringt he relations between tools and people.

This is a question about how tools, which were created for a specific purpose, maintain the same relation with people even as times change. As society and people's lifestyles change over time, the role of tools can also be redefined.

The tools we have used for a long time have their own history and development. Designs that make use of this history bring a sense of familiarity and freshness that cannot be found in newly created tools, as well as the deep stories behind the tools into our lives.

The results of this redefinition can sometimes contribute to preserving our humanity and have the power to move society in a positive direction. I believe that the source of this power lies in the universality that arises from making use of the inherent premises of tools and the creativity that arises from overturning those premises.

The theme of this project is sticks.

Sticks exist as part of various tools to the extent that we are not even aware of them as sticks. During the research process, when we conducted a 'stick hunt' to photograph sticks around us, we ended up with so many photos that it was very difficult to organise them.

On the other hand, we also realised that it is quite rare to use sticks as tools on their own in modern times.

When I began this project, I imagined the primitive era.

When a branch breaks of a tree and falls to the ground, does it become a stick? A stone remains a stone even when picked up, but a branch becomes a stick when picked up by a person. When a person uses a fallen branch as a tool, does it become a stick? How did we incorporate a simple branch into our lives as a stick? Perhaps it began not with a b ranch, but with a bone...

It's truly enjoyable to think about this. That's because a stick is an extremely primitive tool.

Through the process of exploring this commonly used tool with students from a perspective that has never been the subject of contemplation before, I believe my research methods can be passed on to the students.

What are the things we should value in our current lives, and what kind of tools are necessary for that? I hope this provides an opportunity for you to reflect on such matters.

Takaaki Oe