Mar 3 • 10:39 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El Mundo

Tadashi Kawamata, Japanese artist: "When you occupy public space, there is always backlash; in Toronto, they even called me a visual terrorist for my crazy structures"

Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata discusses the backlash artists face when occupying public space and highlights his innovative installations using natural materials.

Tadashi Kawamata, a Japanese artist known for his unique installations, reflects on the challenges and criticisms he has faced in his work, particularly in public spaces. He recalls an instance in Toronto, where his unconventional structures were controversially labeled as 'visual terrorism'. His art, often created from simple natural materials like scraps of wood, challenges traditional perceptions of public art and invites viewers to engage with their environment in a different way.

Kawamata's atelier, located in a hidden artificial forest in Saint-Denis, just outside of Paris, becomes a sanctuary of creativity where he constructs remarkable artworks that blend with nature. His creations, such as wooden waves and monumental nests, are not mere objects but are reflective of a dialogue with their surroundings. He emphasizes the importance of rewilding artistic spaces, allowing nature to reclaim its role in art, a sentiment echoed by fellow artists like Lélia Demoisy.

Through his work, Kawamata aims to provoke thought and discussion about the role of art in public spaces, encouraging a re-examination of the relationship between nature and urban environments. His philosophy underscores that the ego of an architect should be set aside to appreciate the greater context of nature, prompting an essential discourse on public art's viability and acceptance amid societal norms and expectations.

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