Theme Park. 2011-12
Five sculptures, FRP (glass fiber reinforced plastics), iron
(Three sculptures are placed in front of the Collections Buildung)
Miki Kasahara is inspired by daily life and the incongruities of contemporary society. The three characters featured in Theme Park, Puruto-kun, Natriumko-chan and Monju-kun, are mascots that were created for publicity purposes many years ago by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, but became well known in Japan after the Fukushima nuclear disaster of 11 March 2011. Kasahara has turned these cartoon characters into toys that children can ride. On the side of each toy is a sign that states caution. Some people ignore the potential danger and place their children on the toys, while others heed the warning.