Kaeru, 2024, duplicated speed climbing walls, 3D cast bronze frogs (made in Meoto Iwa).

The climbing wall is a double of a US standard speed climbing plan, creating two routes. At the top of the 15-meter-high climbing wall is a 3D-scanned print of a frog statue from the Futami Okitama Shrine in Japan. The shrine’s frog is considered a symbol of safe return, good luck, and prosperity. The Japanese word “kaeru” (かえる, カエル) has two meanings: “frog” and “return”. The sculpture of frog represents the wish for those who have left in search of adventure to return safely to their daily lives.

Grab a hold on the wall and climb up to reach frog sculptures at the top. With a wish in your heart, touch the frog’s head and climb back down.

Commissioned by Leeum Museum of Art.

Photo: Yeonje Kim, Baekseon Byun