Phase of Nothingness–Water 2005

Nobuo Sekine made “Phase of Nothingness–Water” using simple industrial materials like painted steel. Both a black rectangular prism laid flat on the floor and a black cylinder seem to emerge from the gallery floor itself. It's crucial to consider how the artist made these forms, and what their materials imply about the work's meaning. Sekine didn't carve, model, or assemble these shapes in any conventional way. Instead, he likely used techniques of fabrication, engaging with a vocabulary of industrial production. The work’s deep black color intensifies the impact of the shapes, drawing attention to their geometry and minimalist aesthetic. The use of steel suggests a connection to mass production and the machine age. By embracing these materials and processes, Sekine blurs the lines between art, design, and industry. So, the next time you encounter something like this, consider the labor, politics, and consumption intertwined with the production process, challenging the traditional distinctions between art and craft.