The 7-panel window display in the concourse of the Hankyu Umeda Main Store was created by Daisy Balloon. The balloon shells* used throughout this exhibition started as a representation of the ocean, which then transformed into roots, and is now finally coming to a close in the form of a forest.
*The balloon shell is a sculpted work made of thread (or other fiber materials) wrapped and hardened around a balloon. Each shell represents the smallest unit of matter, with the inner balloon as the 'cell' and the outer shell as the 'cell wall.' When the cells form a mass, they become lifeforms and civilizations. This work is a visual representation of both the micro and macro workings of life. The balloon shells in the Hankyu Umeda first floor concourse window and the ninth floor Shukusai Plaza are made of recycled and leftover fibers (thread).

Ocean “The Origin of Life” | This work captures the energy of schooling fish when they innately respond and repel as part of a collective movement in which they circulate continuously in torus formation, expanding and shifting as they move along. Balloons enclosed within their hardened fiber shells (balloons shells) will slowly degrade throughout the duration of this exhibition. (Photo | 01-06)
Root “The Gathering of Life” | An immense root collects the energy created in the ocean and provides our earth with a continuous supply of life forms. There will also be a light show in which vast roots absorb water and returns energy to the forest, depicted by the movement of light. (Photo | 07)
Forest “The Return to Origins” | An array of vast roots filled with the energy of life form the forests of our earth, which then give rise to new life such as flowers, fruit, and animals. This is a visual representation of the cycling of energy. (Photo | 08-12)

Photo | HANKYU HANSHIN DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.