Support Kaze: A Memorial to Hiroshima

Beauty in Destruction

I'm raising funds to build Kaze, a profound interactive art installation that is a meditation on violence, humanity, and the sublime. It is a traditional Japanese teahouse frozen in the moment of its destruction in the Hiroshima nuclear blast. Kaze will initially be installed in the serene yet desolate Black Rock Desert over Labor Day at the Burning Man Festival. It will be transported and re-installed in a soon-to-be-announced art venue in Houston, Texas in November, 2024.

The total cost for Kaze is $35,000 and I have already secured $15,000 from private sources.

I need $20,000 to cover the remaining costs.

Please help bring this contemplative art installation to life!

A detailed project description is available: www.cottageindustrytx.com/kaze/

An Interactive Memorial

Designed to provoke deep reflection and inquiry, the piece serves as a memorial to the approximately 70,000 lives lost in World War II’s nuclear bombing. The structure, weathered, charred, and partially exploded, represents the delicate balance between beauty and devastation, order and chaos, life and death. Its open, windswept design evokes the invisible forces of destruction, the metaphorical and literal kaze ("wind") of the title. The space may be entered, and the various objects, decoration, and detailing invite visitors to consider the human stories entwined within its shattered walls.

About John:

John is a seasoned, Dwell Magazine-featured builder and artist with nearly 30 years of experience at Burning Man, bringing surreal architectural visions to life. With a background deeply rooted in construction and a passion for Japanese design, John combines practical skills with a creative spirit. His unique perspective, shaped by a global upbringing and a lifelong fascination with the intersection of art, architecture, and community drives his commitment to creating thought-provoking installations that challenge conventional perceptions of space and meaning. He has assembled a team of seasoned volunteer artists and builders to participate before, during, and after the installation.

Use of Contributions:

By supporting Kaze, you become part of a meaningful artistic endeavor, contributing to a project that fosters deep contemplation on the consequences of institutionalized violence and the enduring power of human connection.

You will be contributing to the creation of a powerful artistic statement that challenges us to reflect on our past and envision a more compassionate future. You will also be bringing my creative gift to life as a touring art installation and an offering to the global community.

Your financial support will help pay for:

The project is a not-for-profit collaborative operation dedicated to full public disclosure of donations and expenditures, and has a dedicated Director of Financial Transparency. Any funds above the amounts requested will be used for transport and future temporary or permanent installation. Any excess funds will be donated to a 501c(3) such as the Houston Holocaust Museum or the Hiroshima Peace Museum.

The Experience of Kaze

Experiencing Kaze is a journey into the heart of both beauty and devastation, and a haunting story of survival. As you step into the teahouse, the charred shingles clatter in the wind. The structure's intricate design starkly contrasts with its immanent destruction. Each element, from the exploding walls, ruined shoji, to the meticulously crafted alcoves, and the roofing shingles taking their birdlike flight, tells a story of resilience and the triumph of the human spirit amidst chaos. The visceral reality of the installation, combined with its poignant story of survival and loss, creates a deeply emotional and reflective space.

Kaze is not just an art piece; it's an invitation to confront the fragility of life and the enduring strength of human connection. By funding Kaze, you support a powerful, immersive experience that encourages a profound dialogue on peace and the impact of systemic social violence.

Social Contemplations

Kaze serves as a reminder of the devastating historical consequences of human conflict, with relevance to the current global landscape of war and violence. In a time when nuclear threats and geopolitical tensions remain prevalent, the piece advocates for peace by emphasizing the human cost of such destruction. The installation not only memorializes the past but also invites a deeper contemplation of our collective future — a shift from fear and aggression toward understanding and compassion. Through its evocative design and powerful narrative, Kaze seeks to inspire a renewed commitment to peace and the rejection of senseless institutionalized violence in all its forms.

Art and Transformation

Art has the power to transcend boundaries, offering profound insights across diverse cultures, histories, and emotions. Kaze, with its intricate blend of traditional Japanese design and the harrowing narrative of Hiroshima, serves as a compelling reminder of the razor’s edge of beauty and tragedy upon which we are balanced. This installation not only honors those who suffered and died, but also inspires empathy and dialogue, reinforcing the vital role of art in fostering a more connected, thoughtful, and conscious world.

Be a part of the project and get hand crafted art from local Houston Artisans.

$75 Donation - Shokunin/Craftsperson

Stainless ‘Dove' Origami pendant & swag bag

Design: G. Hod - www.ghod.art

$125 Donation - Gakusha/Scholar

8x10 Kaze inspired Painting

Artists: Bachman + Petrie - Bachman & Petrie Website

$250 Donation - Samurai/Warrior

Custom fired Raku - Sake set or set of four rice bowls.

Ash glaze with ashes from the Burning of the Man

Craftsman: Shane Tidmore - Shane Tidmore Website

$500 Donation - Daimyo/Warlord

Hand Made Kimono - your selection from the Kaze Collection

Designer: Tina Zulu Kimonozulu Website, IG @kimonozulu

$750 Donation - Shogun/Overlord

Kimono as above, plus Sake and Rice Bowl Set above

$1500 Donation - Kogo, Ten’no/Empress, Emperor

40 x 70 custom Painted Wall Hanging or all gifts above

plus an Additional Kimono

Artists: Bachman + Petrie, Tina Zulu, IG @Kimonozulu