Coelacanth シーラカンス

The name of Bushiro Mori became suddenly well-known a little before 1955. The reason for this leap to fame was "Coelacanth", which he submitted to "the 6th Yomiuri Independent Exhibition" of 1954. This series of non-juried, open exhibitions sponsored by a newspaper company led to the discovery of much new talent, Bushiro Mori among them. The title refers to the fish, unchanged since prehistoric times, that was discovered in the seas off Madagascar around the time. Obviously, however, Mori's work is not a representation of the fish's physical appearance. Rather, the artist wished to indicate through the title what may be described as a primitive being living in modern times. The plaster shapes, while suggesting some life form, have a rough texture, sense of mass and weight, and somewhat humorous air. It is not an identifiable creature but an image of the original, primitive life force in its equanimous grandeur. Mori's works are of two types, those which have organic shapes, like "Coelacanth", and geometric abstract sculpture born of his critical observation of modern society. The conflicting co-existence of these opposing tendencies and his refusal to turn facilely to either one characterizes this artist and has won high praise for his work.