Yasuko Toyoshima Web Site

Width(2001-)

Handling some pliers which I gathered for an exhibition, without holding any object in between the lower and upper gripping jaws, I maintain the state of their head section; I keep the width (distance) between the lower and upper jaws fixed, such as 1cm or 1.5cm, so they are like 'measurable figures' instead of anonymous 'blank, 'empty spaces'.

I also line them up on a shelf of an art exhibition space. The uniform 'width,' becomes almost like a common denominator in many kinds of pliers.
Every plier that I manipulate, structurally includes the unified empty/blank space in their body.

Also, this technique brings us opposite views at the same time. I would say that every plier that I manipulate, happens to create un-unified/different multiple 'widths', which are the 'un-unified empty/blank spaces in its body', on the other side of the jaws between the levers (the edge of the levers side of the pliers) which create a unified width.
By the pivot angle, by gripping - opening/closing the levers, I practice 'creating space' in a flamed realm which has a mobile, flexible mechanism.