「AGERU」, 2023

3d printed AGERU-betas suspended on red parachute string

Ageru, in Japanese, means to give and to elevate. 「AGERU」 is a participatory and interactive exploration of who we are as individuals and our ability to give and elevate those who may need support in our community. For the artwork, visitors are asked to reflect on the simple question, “How are you?” based on the capacity of support they need or can give to others. By decorating a particular AGERU-ß in a way that uniquely represents themselves, participants begin the process of thinking about who they are as individuals within the broader community. Finally, using the AGERU-ß’s hooks, loops, and ball and socket joints, participants are encouraged to think about the best placement of their AGERU-ß in relation to the community: The goal is for each of us to think about how we can use our AGERU-ßs to support one another.