MATSUSHIMA, Miyagi Prefecture--There's one thing about the pictures that French artist Georges Rousse draws: They are not meant to last.
MATSUSHIMA, Miyagi Prefecture--There's one thing about the pictures that French artist Georges Rousse draws: They are not meant to last.
Rousse, 65, has been drawing pictures or writing characters in abandoned houses that will soon be demolished. He has then taken photos of his work and exhibited them at galleries.
Rousse completed his latest work on April 24 in a cafe here that was badly damaged in the earthquake and tsunami disaster two years ago and will shortly be torn down.
He traveled to areas of northeastern Japan that were devastated by the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami and chose Cafe Loin, which is situated on a hill overlooking Matsushima Bay, as his workplace. He drew two pictures. One is of a blue star that represents the sea.
"I put the meanings of revival and hope into the drawings," he said. "And I'm satisfied with my work."
The cafe's owner, Shinichi Chiba, 38, added: "I wanted to create positive memories (about this cafe) instead of just letting it fall into ruin. The (two) drawings are works that encourage people to look forward.”
The pictures will be exhibited at art gallery Birdo Space in Shiogama, also in Miyagi Prefecture, from May 11.
Rousse was involved in a similar project in Kobe after the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995.