Space of Unity
Personal project
Concept, Video, 3D/Art Direction
On Site Expert
Steven J Barber
Exhibited at TAC, Eindhoven and GGG, Tokyo
Space of unity examines territorial disputes to discuss the relationship of Japan and South Korea, questioning how designers may give shape to content in times of political unrest. Physically manifest as two main islands and thirty seven smaller rocks covering less than one kilometer square in the East sea between both of the countries, the disputed territory exposes the historical grievance of Japanese colonisation of Korea (1910–1945). Although there is still a political wall between both countries (symbolized by the Dokdo island conflict) it is important to offer means of reconciliation for the two sides to interact.
Space of unity is an opportunity to write a new visual narrative of Dokdo island for future generations, as a space for mutual understanding. This project consists of three elements: a digital representation of the islands, a territorial bench and a set of calligraphic flags. Each element reflects an optimistic approach, presenting alternative perspectives that connect cultural histories to possible futures of reconciliation.
In 2018, we can count more than 160 territorial conflicts. One third of them are uninhabited islands.