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Kasumigaseki Building Art Project
Carsten Nicolai, poly stella
2009
“Kasumigaseki/Toranomon Area” has developed as the government
ministry district and became the center of governmental and political
power in Japan after the Meiji Restoration. Kasumigaseki Building,
the symbolic landmark in the area, was completed in 1968 as the first
skyscraper in Japan. In concert with the extensive changes of the
re-development of the neighbouring plots and the reconstruction of
the adjacent Tokyo Club Building, a renewal project of the lower stories
at Kasumigaseki Building is completed. The second floor level square
features poly stella in the center of the square that symbolizes
the project.
The shape of the sculpture is a complex polyhedron structure, a forming
model for a naturally grown organisation. Although it appears rather
manifold, the shape consists of a simple composition that is consists
of a number of identical modules. It is thus a striking example of
how rather simple elements by means of a high rate of organisation
can lead to an extremely complex system.
Rather than applying historical reference and meaning, the sculpture
could be understood as a solidified demonstration of an evolutionary
process that by the illustration of potentially endless variations
envisions a potential for progress and creativity. The surface of
the sculpture even makes this more evident – the smooth, shimmering
steel causes a play of reflections that results in constantly changing
perspectives. Consequently, the sculpture can be perceived as a fascinating
object, whose shape illustrates the principle and variety of life.
Toshio Shimizu, Art Director of the Project
Carsten Nicolai
poly stella
2009
h3.5m x w3.5m x d3.5m:sculpture, h0.4m x w5m x d5m:pedestal
Stainless steel, aluminum:sculpture, concrete:pedestal
Installed at Kasumi Terrace, Kasumigaseki Building, Tokyo, Japan
(3-2-5, Kasumigaseki, Tokyo, Japan)
Commisoned by MITSUI FUDOSAN CO.,LTD.
Art Director:Toshio Shimizu
Art Consultant:TOSHIO SHIMIZU ART OFFICE Inc.
Art Planning Supervision:Nihon Sekkei, Inc.
Art Work Installation:Kajima Corporation
Carsten Nicolai, Medeia artist.
Lives and works in Berlin and Chemnitz, Germany
1965 Born in Karl-marx-stadt, gdr
1985-90 Studies of landscape design, Dresden, Germany
2000 Prize ars electronica, golden nica, Linz, Austria (20' to 2000-project)
2001 Prize ars electronica, golden nica, Linz, Austria(with Marko
Peljhan)
Selected solo exhibition:
2002 Watari-um, Watari museum of contemporary art, Tokyo, Japan
2005 Syn chron, Neue Nationalgalerie, Berlin/ Bern, Schwitzerland
/Yamaguchi, Japan
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Photo by Shigeo Anzai |
