In the heart of Beppu, a city renowned for its volcanic landscape and natural hot springs on Japan's Kyushu island, an art collective known as 目[mé] (pronounced 'mé,' meaning 'eye') has created a thought-provoking architectural installation. Their latest work, titled 'Space II,' reimagines a traditional Japanese residence into an immersive, cave-like environment, inviting visitors to contemplate the intricate relationship between human habitation and the Earth's raw geological forces.
Immersive Artistry in a Volcanic Landscape: The Unveiling of 'Space II'
The ancient city of Beppu, famous globally for its abundant hot springs, served as the unique backdrop for 目[mé]'s latest creative endeavor, 'Space II.' Situated on the volcanically active island of Kyushu, a place affectionately dubbed 'hell' in local lore due to its intense geothermal activity, this location inspired the collective to delve into themes of erosion, time, and natural transformation. 目[mé], an art group that has been shaping artistic narratives in Japan for approximately fifteen years, is celebrated for its distinctive approach: reinterpreting existing spaces and their historical contexts to craft fresh, compelling experiences. With 'Space II,' which opened in early January 2026, they took a conventional residential building in Beppu and skillfully carved it into a cavern, simulating the effects of geological processes and the passage of time. Rather than constructing new elements, the artists meticulously removed parts of the existing structure, creating gaping apertures visible from afar. Inside, a system of ramps guides visitors through the darkened, excavated galleries, heightening the sense of being within a natural grotto. This transformative project, led by artist Haruka Kojin, director Kenji Minamigawa, and production manager Hirofumi Masui, is a powerful commentary on the region's dormant volcanic past and encourages a reflection on the origins of human civilization, often traced back to cave dwellings.
This innovative installation challenges our perception of space and belonging. It reminds us that our dwellings, however modern, share a fundamental connection with the ancient shelters of our ancestors. The disorienting yet profound experience within 'Space II' encourages introspection, urging us to consider how deeply intertwined our lives are with the natural world and its powerful, transformative processes. It's a journey not just through a physical space, but through time and human history, all within the shell of a reimagined home.