Output details

1x1

‘1x1’ was a collaborative project, involving O’Connell and Office of Experiments (OoE), a collaborative group whose structure is project specific. For this project OoE consisted of O’Connell and White (who developed the artwork collaboratively) and Rowell (curator). Selected from an International call by the DC Arts and Humanities Commission, OoE’s proposal (written by Rowell) highlighted O’Connell/White’s previous research into public space and the global distribution of media, goods and materials. For this project their aim was to highlight the impact of the 2011 Tsunami and Earthquake in Japan within the celebrations of the donation of 1000 Cherry Trees to Washington DC by Japan in 1912.

O’Connell, coordinated research through UK and Japanese networks with translator – Akemi Magawa in DC and through groups including Corcoran College of Art, Transformer Gallery, and Powell Elementary School (Washington). Working with volunteers and members of Transformer staff O’Connell directed interaction with the public and Japanese and Irish Cultural organisations. OoE coordinated research into local sites of interest, the Fukushima Diaichi incident in Japan and the transportation of water used to water the Cherry Blossom Trees in the National Parks. Documentation of events and interventions at sites of agencies in Nuclear Industries in the US and Internationally were posted to a site developed by White.

Presented as an act of remembrance for the victims of the Tsunami and Fukushima Diaichi, a review in ‘Interview Magazine’ notes; “Most moving of all, however, is Office of Experiment's 1x1, comprised of 1,000 small vials of "tears," water collected in Japan after the earthquake. Visitors are encouraged to pour the water on a cherry tree bringing about a symbolic rebirth. This act also reflects what Tokyo's mayor hoped to do a century ago: promote an international exchange between the two continents encouraging new life and friendships to blossom.”