Hit the streets! Find hyper-art Thomassons

"Hyperart: Thomasson" is a classic work that pioneered "road observation studies" and "modernology". Author Akasegawa Genpei, with his unique perspective and humorous prose, leads readers into city streets to rediscover the extraordinary in the ordinary. This book is not only the first practical guide for CITY WALK but also a masterful text combining sociology, urban studies, and artistic practice, receiving widespread acclaim from Xu Bing, Liu Ning, Yan Fei, btr, and others.

What is Hyperart Thomasson? They are objects attached to land or buildings, meticulously preserved but serving no practical purpose, such as a staircase leading nowhere, a useless door, or a utility pole of unknown function. These seemingly meaningless "useless things," however, hold a unique charm in Akasegawa Genpei's eyes, becoming hidden treasures in everyday streets. Through aimless wandering, he challenges the efficiency-driven modern life, defends the value of "boredom," and calls for unconstrained freedom.

During a casual stroll through the streets of Tokyo, Akasegawa Genpei discovered a carefully preserved but non-functional staircase, which sparked his alternative exploration of the city. This exploration was not merely a personal journey of observation but also ignited a movement to understand one's surroundings. In 1986, he co-founded the "Road Observation Society" with architect Terunobu Fujimori, illustrator Shinbo Minami, and others, elevating street observation into a discipline. Behind the book's witty and teasing words lies a profound reflection on the process of urban modernization and a delicate dissection of everyday landscapes.

At a time when urban residents' walking experiences are diminishing, "Hyperart: Thomasson" aims to reawaken people's familiarity with their surroundings through walking. By re-observing the useless objects in the streets, readers can establish a more genuine connection with the outside world and discover overlooked details and charms. As Terunobu Fujimori said, "In this era, gods are hidden on the streets," and going out to investigate is a study of life itself.

Among celebrity reviews, Yan Fei praised Akasegawa Genpei for combining sociological insight with artistic creativity to uncover the deep charm of urban streets; Liu Ning pointed out that Thomasson is a method that makes the observation of the city introverted and gentle, allowing uninteresting objects to blossom into meaning; btr believes that Thomasson teaches us to rediscover the extraordinary that escapes the ordinary with a humorous "archaeological" spirit; Yotamaki Inuhiko emphasized the author's calm critical perspective, focusing on the small, overlooked objects in the transition between old and new, offering a knowing humor.