Meet Me at the Upside Down Table

Tea experience and installation inspired by Japanese tea ceremonies and board game play. The piece draws on the 1906 english text 'Book of Tea', by Okakura Kakuzo which invites citizens to ‘cherish their unpolished selves’.

At the centre of the installation is a bespoke ‘tea table’ in the form of an esoteric board game. Tablecloths are displaced to uncover both the table and inconvenient truths.

Benches fashioned from bales of vintage tablecloths are designed to cause guests to rise and sit simultaneously as they move around the table in an act of solidarity that ensures their mutual stability.

Even on my knees’, 2018-19.

A participatory public installation within the Upside Down Table exhibition that celebrates vulnerability. Its form suggested by ancient Torii gates of Shinto shrines.

The installation canopy and floor tapestry expand as new visitors share their reflections through selection of objects. These are added anonymously to the canopy and floor tapestry on public view.

Visitors were invited to attach words of encouragement for other visitors into the tapestry. Taking a moment to acknowledge the hurts and scars that all humans share.

Photos: Bernadette Baksa, 2018

Meet Me at the Upside Down Table

Meet Me at the Upside Down Table

Plywood, recycled felt, vegetable tanned leather, vintage lace and linen textiles.

Bespoke tea table and guidance card.

Bespoke tea table and guidance card.

Example items concealed within the flaps in the tea table designed and fabricated by the artist.

Example items concealed within the flaps in the tea table designed and fabricated by the artist.

Designed for participation

Designed for participation

The site-specific installation in a disused cork factory adjacent to a London Underground station, accessible to people living, working and passing through a cultural and commercial hub in London, SE1.

MEET ME AT THE UPSIDE DOWN TABLE

MEET ME AT THE UPSIDE DOWN TABLE

Observers peer through hangings of sculpted lace and linen tablecloths to watch progressive tea ceremony unfold.

Even on My Knees, 2018 Vintage teapot cover on Bamboo cane, gold leaf and clay. Progressive canopy installation and reflection tapestry developing within Upside Down Table exhibition.

Even on My Knees, 2018

Vintage teapot cover on Bamboo cane, gold leaf and clay.

Progressive canopy installation and reflection tapestry developing within Upside Down Table exhibition.

6-EVEN ON MY KNEES - Tapestry with hand.jpeg
Testimonial following visit to the Upside Down Table experience

Testimonial following visit to the Upside Down Table experience

Winner ‘Art Installation of the Year’

Winner ‘Art Installation of the Year’