In One - Malcolm, Hawaii, part of Pierre Sernet’s One series, the artist stages a traditional Japanese tea ceremony on the sandy shores of a Hawaiian beach. Encased in a minimalist cube, the ritual takes place amidst the rhythmic waves and surfboards—a striking blend of Japanese tradition with Hawaiian surf culture. The casual presence of a surfer, seated in his beach attire and respectfully engaging in the tea ritual, underscores Sernet’s exploration of cultural intersection, demonstrating how seemingly disparate worlds can coexist harmoniously.

The cube serves as both a physical and conceptual space, creating a temporary sanctuary within the open and dynamic beach environment. This juxtaposition emphasizes the adaptability of tradition, suggesting that even the most structured rituals can find relevance outside their usual context. By placing the tea ceremony alongside a surfboard, Sernet invites viewers to contemplate the parallels between ritual and sport, mindfulness and flow, as both practices demand presence, respect, and dedication.

Through One - Malcolm, Hawaii, Sernet expands the boundaries of cultural compatibility, using the cube as a frame for dialogue between East and West, discipline and leisure. The serene ritual of the tea ceremony, framed against the powerful waves, resonates as a universal gesture of peace and connection. Sernet’s work subtly suggests that no matter the setting or cultural background, shared experiences—whether in the form of rituals or passions—have the power to bring people together, creating moments of unity within diversity.