Miyajima: Thousand Road

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Thousand Road 1991 light emitting diodes, integrated circuit, electrical wiring, aluminum panels, wooden panels. Photo: National Gallery of Canada

"The flow of time is not a feature of the physical universe; instead it has its origins in the life process, in the creativity of the mind, and in social conventions and modes of communication." J.T. Fraser Time is the principal theme of this installation by Japanese artist Tatsuo Miyajima. Miyajima uses state-of-the-art LED (light-emitting diode) technology to create parallel roads of continuous numbers conveying the Buddhist concept of infinite time - without beginning or end. In this darkened environment he creates dramatic and mysterious intensity as the electronic "light path" leads us through an ordered, yet constantly changing milieu. Miyajima's work reflects a traditional Japanese outlook expressed through contemporary technology, producing a common language through which people from different societies and cultures can readily communicate. Presented with the financial assistance of The Canada Council.