“Kobuchizawa is a zero magnetic field zone—a place where the energy of the earth pulses. The material for this exhibition, soap, is also in a state of flux. Soap unites two opposing elements, water and oil, into a cleansing agent that connects to new life. Soap seems almost alive. With the energy unique to active fault zones, I am exploring the allure of soap.”

—Junko Maruyama (Contemporary Artist)

The series began with the 2009 exhibition ZZ no Hajimari (The Beginning of ZZ) at the experimental MOON HOUSE space in Yokohama. Fascinated by the properties of soap—a substance that harmonizes the opposing elements of water and oil—the artist created a piece featuring water, oil, and soap arranged in a swastika pattern within a tank. The name “ZZ” signifies endings but also represents the swastika pattern and the zero magnetic field (ZZ).

In 2010, the series evolved with the exhibition Kerukenai no Mori e (To the Forest of the Possible and Impossible), held in the same space, further developing the narrative of ZZ.

In 2011, ZZ’s Hana Mandala unfolds on the grounds of the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection. Inspired by Kobuchizawa’s resemblance to a nurturing womb and its association with the zero magnetic field (ZZ), the exhibition centers on soap as the primary material, exploring its possibilities within this unique environment.

Experience the unfolding story of ZZ in the foothills of Mt. Yatsugatake.

Junko Maruyama
Born in 1976, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan.
Junko Maruyama specializes in sculpture and installation art.

Education
• 2002: Graduated from City University of New York, Hunter College

Selected Exhibitions and Projects
• 2004: Silent Flowers Exhibition (無音花展), Sake Brewery “Kai,” Yamanashi
• 2005: Food and Contemporary Art Part 1, BankART1929, Yokohama
• 2006: Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, Niigata
• 2007: Landmark Project, Yokohama
• 2009: Participated in Roppongi Art Night, Tokyo

Saturday, September 24, 2011
Artist Talk
Junko Maruyama discusses the exhibited works and her creative process for this exhibition.

Workshop: “Experimental Studio – Drawing and Sculpting with Foam!”
Location: Nakamura Keith Haring Collection, Museum Court
Can you sculpt with foam? Can you draw with it? Slippery, fluffy, hard—soap has so many different textures! Let’s explore the fascinating possibilities of soap made in Kobuchizawa and discover its unique characteristics together.