Ayana Ishihara

This project began with an interview: the idea was to speak with someone living in Fredrikstad and create a monument inspired by a significant turning point in their life.

I spoke with a blind artist who lost 50% of his vision at the age of 37—at a time when he had already built a successful career in ceramics. He lost many things during that period, but never gave up on life or his artistic spirit. He still loves light and colour. To reflect and stay connected with himself, he walked 15 kilometers through the forest each day.

I focused on the beautiful aspect of how he continues to love colour deeply, even after losing much of his ability to see it—and on the tension between his memory of colour and his current perception.

For the monument, I created 15 pairs of glasses with different coloured filters—such as red for the right eye and blue for the left. I then invited participants to wear them and walk the same route, from his home to the forest, immersing themselves in the landscape. This walk is my interpretation of the monument.