Catherine Hostiani · 2 min read

The Soul Trembles, by Chiharu Shiota

I've seen a single installation by Shiota before, but the exhibition at MAO – Museo d'Arte Orientale is extraordinary because of a few elements.

1. The artworks blend seamlessly into the museum space. Red threads line a monk's robe amidst other Buddhist sculptures, a staircase of suitcases makes good use of the high ceiling, and black webs fill a cavernous room, inviting you toward a dreamlike, charred piano.
2. The story of the artist. Without overloading the audience with information, snippets about Shiota's creative process, struggles, and her perception of attachment and detachment pepper the exhibition. We appreciate art more when we know the human behind the works.
3. Total dedication. Perhaps it's the Marina Abramović effect: her mentees almost always push their physical limits in service of the art. Shiota drenched herself in car paint, fasted for four days, dragged numerous cow skulls from a market, and cleaned the blood from each of them.