photo-reflexive stone formations change colors according to sunlight

kazutaka shioi’s SHA-KO-SEKI stones reflect natural light

For his solo exhibition, artist Kazutaka Shioi introduces SHA-KO-SEKI, a series of large light-reflecting stone formations. The project, named after the word indicating ‘a stone that captures light’, is, in fact, a photographic work. While appearing as ordinary stones of various sizes, shapes, and colors, each structure is meticulously crafted by affixing ‘photographs’ onto its surface, capturing the essence of light from Munakata Taisha, a local shrine in Japan. The stones’ surfaces are colored with inkjet-printed inks, causing them to swiftly undergo changes when consistently exposed to direct sunlight.

all images by Takumix

fading colors symbolize concepts of reincarnation

SHA-KO-SEKI undergoes a deliberate fading process when exposed to sunlight, representing the artist‘s conceptualization of the natural cycle of life and death. The fading colors symbolize a return to the origin, echoing Eastern philosophies and Buddhist concepts of reincarnation. As individual stones gradually turn white over time, the work embodies a profound connection between the physical fading phenomenon and a philosophical interpretation rooted in oneness and the eternal cycle of existence.

only twelve days after set up, the colors of the light-reflective stone have changed entirely

the artist follows a process of ink-jet printing on Washi paper that later applies to the stone

the stones are initially coated with Urethane paint

Kazutaka Shioi affixes ‘photographs’ onto the surface

the stones’ color changes when they stay exposed to direct sunlight, due to special inks

the stones’ surfaces are colored with inkjet-printed inks

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the exhibition showcases stones of various sizes, shapes, and colors

initial state of the two-ton stone

the stone is delivered from kyoto

Kazutaka Shioi's solo show 'Breath of Light' is exhibited in Mizoe Art Gallery

project info:

name: SHA-KO-SEKI: light reflecting stone
designer: Kazutaka Shioi | @kazutaka_shioi

host: Mizoe Art Gallery | @mizoeartgallery_fukuoka

photography: Takumix | @takumixokubo

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom