‘Meet Me at the Upside Down Table’ Tyler Moorehead, 2018-19.

Tea experience and installation inspired by Japanese tea ceremonies and board game play. The piece draws on the 1906 english text 'Book of Tea', by Okakura Kakuzo which invites citizens to ‘cherish their unpolished selves’.

Four principles of Japanese tea - harmony, respect, purity and tranquility - become a form of ritual play in which guided reflection encourages empathy and appreciation of a stranger, over a cup of tea. 

At the centre of the installation is a bespoke ‘tea table’ in the form of an esoteric board game. Tablecloths are displaced to uncover both the table and the truth. With overshadowing etiquette removed, pristine tablecloths hang idly as frozen ceiling sculptures, where they can do no harm.

Benches fashioned from bales of vintage tablecloths are designed to cause guests to rise and sit simultaneously as they move around the table. Forcing them to act in  solidarity to ensure their mutual stability.

‘Even on my knees’, 2018-19.

A participatory public installation within the Upside Down Table exhibition that celebrates vulnerability. Its form suggested by ancient Torii gates of Shinto shrines.

Vintage teapot covers are hardened and converted into ‘bells’ with items selected by visitors in tea sessions hung as bell clappers. 

Inspired by Japanese shrines, the installation canopy and floor tapestry expanded as new visitors shared their reflections. Their contributions woven alongside others as a growing shrine and tapestry on public view.

Visitors were invited to attach words of encouragement for other visitors into the tapestry. Taking a moment to acknowledge the hurts and scars that all humans share.

Photos: Bernadette Baksa