Published in conjunction with an exhibition of the same title which brings together four series of works by two very different artists: Bathroom, Events in a Warehouse, Shikamen (Death Mask) by On Kawara, and One Place on Earth by Rei Naito.

The first essay by Satoshi Yamada tells us about each of the four series of works. He expresses his observation of Kawara's works as 'awakening of consciousness', and Naito's as 'prayer of being' and argues that both 'contemplate' the nature of human being and the world by taking different paths.

In his second essay, Yamada takes a closer look at Kawara’s three series, and how they relate to the artist’s later work — the well-known Today series.

The essay by Kazuo Yamawaki reviews Naito’s creative process and points out the importance of light. It also quotes the artist's statement on One Place on Earth: '"Being" itself is blessing. I created this belief with light and things in a structure that looks like a tent. By using very materialistic substances, I create a metaphysical world with various elements. Audience can come in alone, and encounter deeper reality of body and soul in this meditative time and space. Each person's being, imagination, and response complete the meticulously planned space and objects.' Yamawaki adds that it 'demands the audience to be there alone, because extreme happiness can be felt only in isolation. It demands the audience to spend ten minutes in it, because he/she needs the time to hold the state of mind, abandoning the noise of daily life and preparing for the happiness'. (Quotations translated by AAA)

Anne Gossot gives her in-depth observation on the Shikamen (Death Mask) series, and One Place on Earth, and concludes that they remind us that the intellectual is inseparable from the physical.

Artist biographies and list of works are available in the back.