A month passed by
Between conceptual and informative, the project starts to take shape daily. When I started writing for this project and received feedback from sharing my concepts with others, I found out I could not separate the process of making art and my intention of making this an informative project. Conceptually separating the art from the factual documentation was very difficult. I thought, “Was it necessary to try to separate?”
This project is a way of studying communication to achieve adaptation and evolution or the other way around, opening a dialogue for other people and me to explore. There is no final word on which technique I must use to get a message across. It is more about your interpretation of all kinds of information and what you make of it.
I want to make clear that this report is the first of a series of reports I will be preparing during my time in Japan making the BridgeMeJapan project. This project is a social and informative study about the gap between generations in Japan. It is also for me to have a chance to use my body for performance, a happening, embracing the daily street exposure, and as an art studio. It is the making of conceptual work, photographs, and other art documentation to help me analyze and explore this culture.
I recommend for those reading this report place themselves as Gabriel Delponte (GD) and at the same time as the viewer or reader. I pose questions to myself and to you, the reader, or ask you to do something specific as you read this report. Through these actions, I invite you to interact with me in this project, understanding this interaction will never be the same for each person.
This project was evolving every day as I cycled freely around Japan, looking for subjects to interview and opportunities to make art. There is daily change and a feeling of being all over the place.
Conceptualizing:
GD: Build from the grey zone. Restless minds are the only survivors. The immensity expands continuously. The time to let it all go arrives, and with tears, I see the clear route vanishing and am faced with multiple choices.
I hear voices. I can almost touch these voices. Some are soft, some are rough, and some are building a foundation.
What do you miss down there?
GD: Basically, I am saying I am bouncing like a ball on a tennis court.
See…. today was a rough day.
A Hindu man (Rao, 65, I think he was) told me on the plane to Japan, “Gabriel, Japan is a good place, stay longer. Integrity here is important. Watch over that. Losing money is ok. But get things done if you say so or die trying.”
GD: This is very romantic. I like that.
To the readers: -What song are you listening to right now? Turn the music on.
I stood still on the first day and at the last minute before all started from Fujisawa.
Fujisawa is Miami Beach’s sister city. An extraordinary place I will never forget.
Many people came to the departure. It was a happy day. It was very, very friendly, and I didn’t feel alone. Yes! I collect tokens of good memories and companions for the many days coming.
Good memories make the waiting time shorter. I know it. I can almost give you the days I will be alone on the route. Can you guess how many? Say a number!
Think of this for a moment: If you have a clear idea in your mind about something, what is the point of making it? Virtual reality is objective, I believe.
But thinking about the curiosity and support of others makes sense to me. A new challenge is seen through others’ minds. Use whatever works for you to feel inspired.
Anyway, back to the departure day. I want to look at each person who came to say “gambate,” a way to communicate in Japanese “courage, you can do it,” and say thanks. The road I had never met before is in front of me and is waiting. I ask myself, “Can I make this happen?” I try. I look at my bike and then my trailer. Love it. Looks so cool. My heart beats quietly. I can’t hear it, but my head is about to explode. I felt spaced out, and no sound and voice were registering in my ears. I hope the gear persists and I learn fast enough to deliver on a promise.