ABBEY TAXI:MAGNETIC MESSAGES

June - August 2006

Park - cris cheek (for Ian Hamilton Finlay) June 2006

Untitled - Caroline Wright - July 2006

Tokyo is a city of contradictions. There are neon signs surrounding every road junction, broadcasting information to the vast numbers of people moving around the streets. The urban landscape of concrete towers can be oppressive whilst the super efficient metro system transports the population across and around the city hub.
To the contrary, the influence of Buddhism and the restrained nature of the Japanese character, where consideration for the good of everyone is paramount and of more importance than concern for the self, seems at odds with the fast moving, message-giving, city culture.
This contradiction is highlighted particularly in the plight of the Japanese Tea Ceremony, a tradition that honours the principles of harmony, respect, tranquility and purity. The messages imparted through this dying custom are rejected by the young as they challenge their roots and heritage for the influence of western life.
The taxi is a place of communication, allowing its occupants a place to confess, discuss, exchange, contemplate and share information. The proclaiming magnetic letters affixed to Abbey Taxi shift the vehicle’s role from container of words to one of messenger, delivering information to those outside.
Untitled was made by Caroline Wright in response to a period of time spent in Tokyo, Japan as part of the Norwich School of Art and Design and Asagaya School of Art and Design exchange programme. The work exists in two formats - as a text work and in green neon signage.

from Hazel Rossiter (35 Stanesfield Rd) July - August 2006

19th Century Cree Indian Proverb - from Cambridge City Council Carpenter - August 2006

ONLY WHEN THE LAST TREE HAS DIED

AND THE LAST RIVER HAS BEEN POISONED

AND THE LAST FISH HAS BEEN CAUGHT

ONLY THEN WILL THEY REALISE THAT THEY CANNOT EAT MONEY

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