“SOUND OBJECT” is a series of works that represents Fujimoto’s artistic activities. It is composed of inexpensive, commonly-found music boxes set on a plate, a box, or a stand, some of the tuned teeth of which have been intentionally bent. As the box is wound up,, it plays music but with a dissembled melody due to the broken teeth. Multiple boxes may be played at the same time to improvise an ensemble in unlimited variations, depending on how much and at which timing the boxes are wound. A magical moment is born when an artist’s creation and viewer’s action are united by chance.

Fujimoto’s past creations include an installation project that covered the entire exhibition floor with fallen leaves, prints and objects using old records, and an alphabet-themed planar production, just to name but a few. His unfettered approach, which challenges conventional art that is inclined to visual expressions, inspires our interest in space itself via various sounds and serves as a tool for us to appreciate the world using all of our five senses. Fujimoto often calls his own creations “philosophical toys,” which precisely describes the essence of his artwork. His production is also characterized by his exclusive use of ready-made common items, which he rarely attempts to convert. By doing so, he effectively and interestingly proves that the essence of creative work exists in deep consideration and that magical creation is possible without a secret formula. 
Fujimoto first moved from Nagoya to Osaka in 1971 to study music at Osaka University of Arts, which owned an electronic music studio that was rare in Japan at that time. Since then, Fujimoto has broadened his creative activities from his base in Osaka. Influenced by John Cage, Marcel Duchamp, the Beatles, and Taruho Inagaki, Fujimoto has successfully elevated the essence of avant-garde art in the 20th century into his own style. While his name and work are globally recognized today, Fujimoto deserves more acknowledgement and respect from the local community of Osaka. To introduce his creations, Fujimoto’s personal exhibitions are taking place simultaneously at national and public museums in Osaka, Hyogo, and Wakayama. If you have not heard Fujimoto’s name before, this is a great opportunity to experience his distinctive world of creations.

August 8, 2007
Text by Takafumi Kobuki, a freelance art writer