An installation that extends the multi-layered complexity of a delicate watch dial—embodying the philosophy of ‘THE NATURE OF TIME’—out into space. It expresses the refraction of light and the sense of depth scattered throughout this small universe of the watch dial.

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The perception of time varies from person to person. There is the regular time marked by a clock, and the time we experience, which stretches and contracts. I sought to depict the invisible ‘pulse of time’ that exists between these two—using light to trace it within the space. The ‘trajectory of time’ dissolves and comes to life. Multiple layers of light rise from the floor to the ceiling. The irregular light filtering through shifts whilst leaving a faint afterglow, revealing different expressions depending on the viewer’s position and distance. The passing of the seasons, the cycle of the day, and the flow of time come to life.

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Just as one feels oneself being drawn into the ceaseless waves of time, one’s consciousness is faintly drawn into the depths of the layers of light.

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[Notes from Atsushi Shindo]

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When I first held a Grand Seiko watch in my hands, two distinct types of shimmering light left a strong impression on me. One was the linear light that traces the movement of the seconds hand. The other was the soft light on the surface of the dial, which seemed to respond to the body’s movements. I wanted to express these glimmers, along with their delicate, multi-layered depth, within the space through the use of light. Just as the delicate layers superimposed upon the dial create a sense of depth, the viewer is guided into the depths of the layered structure of light. As they draw closer and then step back to gaze upon it, they may, before they realise it, begin to unravel their own distant memories.

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The components of this work are made from plant-derived cellulose acetate resin, produced using 3D printing. Using the abbreviated characters engraved on the dial as a guide, the process repeatedly traces a predetermined pattern via twelve regularly spaced points. The printing time required to produce the components for this final version amounted to approximately 2,500 minutes. The components created in this way can also be described as ‘traces of time’.

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Whilst 3D printing technology is typically used to build up layers and solidify them, in this work, by adjusting the printing time, speed, and resin extrusion volume, we created a state in which the layers do not bond completely, but instead link together in a way that suggests they are unravelling. These components rise from the floor to the ceiling, creating numerous layers of light within the space. Furthermore, within the installation, the ‘cycle of the day’ and the ‘passing of the seasons’ are superimposed through the hues and contrasts of light, alongside ‘fragments of memory’ that occasionally shine brilliantly. The universe, expanded from the dial into the space, reveals different expressions depending on the viewer’s angle and distance, accompanied by a delicate radiance, and eventually emerges as if it were alive. This is a work in which one gazes at the shifting ‘pulses of light’, whilst casually turning one’s attention to these subtle changes.