Replacing collections inside the caravan.

I’ve discovered a more effective method to search eBay for rare Irish-made items. And I have found rare vintage squeaky toys for both the Irish and British sides, which were made in the 50s. 

I have eliminated items in which I lack confidence. For example, I realised an Irish guard figure was installed on the Irish side because of my misunderstanding for a long time (nobody has corrected me!), even though it was a part of a British military figure. I replaced some military and soldiers into both Wade Irish figures and Novelty British Blighters by Dennis Fairweather, which represent regular people on both the Irish and British sides. 

After I got a donation of a Derry Girls rubber duck, I installed it on the Irish side, as the story is about Irish girls in Catholic school in Northern Ireland, and on the counterpart of the British side, I installed a Titanic rubber duck, referencing the Titanic, which was built in Belfast. 

I acquired a British Royal Doulton girl figure, which is a better balance for the counterpart of the Irish dancer girl figure. 

I acquired a British Coalport Cottage Pastille Burner to serve as the counterpart to the Irish Cottage Turf Burner.

 I also got a regular-shaped British vase instead of a shoe-shaped vase. I strive to enhance the visual balance of my caravan’s installation, which makes it appear more sophisticated.

 I replaced the broken clock in the caravan with a functional Elddis clock.

Borderline Project @ Marie Heaney Square beside the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen's University, Belfast

I’m representing my Borderline Project at Marie Heaney Square, just beside the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen's University, Belfast, on Tuesday 18th November from 11:00 to 15:00, followed by a 1-hour artist talk at the Seamus Heaney Centre. It also features in the online creative platform, Ireland’s Border Culture project, developed recently by the Seamus Heaney Centre and the Trinity Long Room Hub: http://www.borderculture.net

If you have never seen my caravan, don't miss it! The Borderline Project tour has received generous support from the Arts Council of Ireland and the Centre for Creative Practices, with events planned in both Northern and Southern Ireland.

https://www.qub.ac.uk/events/whats-on/listing/theborderlineprojectshiromasuyama.html

The last day @ Artlink, Fort Dunree

The last day at Artlink, Fort Dunree was still rainy, and there was a smaller audience. And the majority of the audience are drenched with rain; they refrained from taking seats to avoid leaving moisture on the interior of my caravan's couch. 

However, I have gotten many great comments on my guest book; it was the proof the exhibition was quite successful. And the team at the Artlink seemed happy to have hosted my show. 

As soon as my show finished, it turned into a sunny day, although I had terrible weather conditions during the entire exhibition period. Thank you so much for your support, Monika at the Centre for Creative Practices! Without your support, this show could not have happened!

2nd Day @ Artlink, Fort Dunree

The invigilator of my exhibition, Paul, played Irish music for both my Borderline Project and Brexit Sausages.

People often hesitate to enter my caravan, as it is typically a private space. Therefore, leaving the door open and displaying a clear sign outside are essential; otherwise, no one enters. However, today brought terrible stormy weather with severe rain. The forceful wind repeatedly dislodged the door from its catch, causing it to bang against the side. The door's catch failed to secure it properly, and I had nothing to brace it against the strong wind. I temporarily used a hanger and a cable tie to hold the door open. The poster blew away, and the caravan shook in the wind, almost as if it were experiencing an earthquake. It was dreadful weather for showcasing my caravan. I sincerely hope the weather improves tomorrow, as it is the final day of my exhibition.

1st day @ Artlink

 1st day of 3-day solo show, "Borderline", at Artlink Fort Dunree; not so many people under the terrible weather conditions of hard rain and wind. However, feedback for the show has been great! 

I finally acquired Bosco, which I always wanted for the Irish puppet, and Thunderbirds for the British puppet counterpart. I also bought Harry Potter, which is British, and a new Irish doll, Saoirse, which I found in Apple Green, Ireland.