Online Catalogue

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Mai Yamashita + Naoto Kobayashi

Mai Yamashita + Naoto Kobayashi is a Berlin-based artist unit. The simple structure and humorous methodology turns the seemingly impossible dream into reality. Their work is a condensation of everyday life.

In Miracle (2004), five dice, more precisely boxes of caramels are thrown and they show same spots repeatedly. Release of Mineral Water (2004) is a record of their journey with the German mineral water "Tönissteiner" purchased from a package store in Japan to finally release it to its original source, Eifel region in Germany.

We also find small rituals in Candy (2005) and infinity (2006). Within the symmetrically composed frames, artists strictly perform duties such as licking a huge ball of candy sitting by the table everyday, and jogging to inscribe “infinity” on the land. Their sincere attitude toward these seemingly purposeless duties contains a touch of humor at the same time makes us think about many rituals without meaning in our own daily lives.

After graduating from Tokyo University of Arts and Music with a M.A., Yamashita (born in 1976) and Kobayashi (born in 1974) live and work in Berlin. They have exhibited at the KIASMA in Helsinki, the Tate Modern in London, ICA London, and have participated in the Rotterdam Film Festival and the Transmediale in Berlin.
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© Mai Yamashita + Naoto Kobayashi

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I am Everything, Everything is Me

2015
color, sound
2'00"

Movie
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Release of
mineral water

2003
color, sound
5'33"

movie
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When I wish upon a star

2004
color, sound
2'22"

movie
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It’s a small world

2004
color, sound
3'30"

movie
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miracle

2004
color, sound
3'30"

movie
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TARZAN

2004
color, sound
6'41"

movie
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Candy

2005
color
3'22"

movie
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infinity

2006
color, 16:9
4'38"

movie
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1000waves

2008
color, sound
51'48"

movie
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Lion & Canvas

2009
color
41'33"

movie
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telepathy

2009
color, sound
11'36"

movie
 

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