Back or front?
Black and white, contradictory relationships
Soon the two sides begin to become one.

Depending on the era and the position you are in, your feelings towards a person can be either black or white. The way these two sides of the same coin change rapidly is well illustrated in the life of Frederick II (1712-1786).

Looking at history, Frederick II is often portrayed in black, due to the fact that he was excommunicated and treated as a heretic many times, the bloodless return of the Crusaders, and the deadly battles with Northern and Central Italy. However, perhaps because the first time I became aware of Frederick II was in a book by Shiono Nanami, I have the impression that he was a white man.

Even after he was excommunicated, he advocated separation of church and state, and tried to unite the Holy Roman Empire, which had been fighting each other, into one country. Furthermore, he promoted the development of laws, open learning spaces, and even language reform. No matter how you look at it, he seems to be a man of beginnings who faced the times with a new vision.

But I started to think about what might happen between black and white. Maybe there will come a time when something will trigger it to turn black, or maybe it won't. However, I know that it's just a simple change, like turning a piece of paper over, and there's no guarantee that it won't turn over.

But now, the white side represents Frederick II to me.


Text by Rivotorto Pieces


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<References>
◇ Shiono Nanami "The Life of Emperor Frederick II” (Shinchosha)
◇ Shiono Nanami "The Life of Emperor Frederick II, Part 2” (Shinchosha)
◇ Shiono Nanami "What was the Renaissance?” (Shinchosha)
◇ Koichi HorikoshiHistory of Medieval Europe” (Kodansha)


[Notes]
・When storing, avoid high temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight.
・Since this product is made of natural materials, the texture and appearance may change depending on the environment in which it is placed. Please enjoy the changes over time.

[About the product]
-A handmade booklet explaining the work by the artist is included.
・Your artwork will be delivered in a paper carton that can be used to store it.
-The set includes a handmade paper magnetic frame by the artist.
-We also offer recommended frames selected by the artist.
If you wish,info@fragile-books.com Please contact us and we will provide you with separate information.

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Fragile Exhibition

Passage of Paper Textile
Fragments of Paper
2023.4.1 - 2023.4.30
→View the exhibition archive

Rivotorto Pieces will hold their first solo exhibition, "Passage of Paper Textile". The works are named after the two artists' ancestors whom they have admired since childhood. They feature people from all over the world, past and present, such as saints, picture book authors, and architects. Saint Francis of Assisi, Atsuko Suga, Leo Lionni and Tokujiro Kojima, Bernard of Chartres, Tintoretto, Dante, Giotto, Seiichi Shirai, Sotatsu Tawaraya, William Morris, Édouard Vuillard, Pierre Bonnard, Montaner, Michelangelo, Hermes, Diotima, Barbara Sansoni, Hergé, Hiroshi Yoshino, Rousseau, Frederick II, Simone Weil, Aldo Manuzio, Picasso, and the man from the Masdazil Cave. The messages that accompany each work, detailing encounters with each person, are also quite interesting.