Hummin' Bloom
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Hummin' Bloom: Autumn’s Reflections in Titanium
「ハミングブルーム」秋色が踊るチタンの窓
“Keiko + Manabu” is a creative team led by Keiko Uchiyama (内山 敬子) and Manabu Sawase (沢瀬 学), blending their architectural expertise with artistic flair to craft immersive designs. Based in both Seattle and Tokyo, their work spans urban spaces, public installations, and private residences.
One of their standout creations is Hummin' Bloom, a titanium art piece that harmonizes with its surroundings while reflecting nature’s palette.
Crafted from 5-mm titanium plates, the surface treatment transforms Hummin' Bloom into a living canvas, reflecting light in a spectrum of rainbow hues. Warmer tones at the base echo the earthy woodland floor, transitioning into cooler blues that mirror the sky above Hakone’s mountain peaks.
Its design invites exploration: each crescent-shaped cutout frames a unique view, shifting in color and mood depending on your angle and the light. On sunny days, the hues are bold and vibrant, while overcast skies lend a subdued, dreamlike quality. Mist or fog enhances its surreal presence, as the curved openings transform your perspective with every step.
Personal Tip: The best way to experience Hummin' Bloom is to get up close. Peer through its cutouts, walk around it, and let each angle reveal a fresh connection to the surrounding landscape.
Location: Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Timestamp: 10:26・2024/10/15
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 160 for 1/40 sec. at ƒ/2.0
Velvia/Vivid film simulation
References:
Join me and my border collie as we explore the serene nature trail weaving through the woodlands surrounding the Pola Museum of Art in Hakone, Japan. Along the way, we capture travel photography, macro shots, and the vibrant autumn scenery.
