Grand Projects

Curated by Naoko Aono, the new 21_21 Design Sight’s exhibition “Grand Projects: how far will you go?” showcases bold and innovative ideas that transcend existing modes of expressions.

Dani Karavan, “Negev Monument” (1963-1968). Photo © Micha Peri

Curated by Naoko Aono in Tokyo, the new 21_21 Design Sight’s exhibition “Grand Projects: how far will you go?” showcases Grand Projects by such creators who give shape to their bold and innovative ideas that transcend existing modes of expressions.

Christo at the Floating Piers, Lake Iseo, Italy, 2014-2016. Photo Wolfgang Volz

In June 2016, Christo and Jeanne-Claude realized “The Floating Piers” on Lake Iseo in Italy. The piers covered with fabric that is 3 kilometers-long appeared on the lake. Along with sidewalks also covered with the same fabric, the floating piers dramatically changed the landscape, and uplifted the spirit of people. The starting point for this exhibition will be these artists who conceived projects of incredible scale that transforms bridges in cities, landscapes over some ten kilometers, and even the house of parliament to artworks, and ultimately realized what was initially thought to be impossible. From that starting point, creators from diverse fields who carry out unique activities using dynamic techniques and methods, will gather and display their works.

Dani Karavan, “Axe Majeur” (1980~). Photo © Lionel Pagés

The process of meticulous planning and giving shape to a project while receiving the cooperation and support of many people, together with the finished works that are displayed on a huge scale, evoke a feeling of awe among the visitors who are likely to wonder, “How far will you go?” The creators’ attitudes make us feel their strong will, passion, endless series of trial-and-error, and determination to take action with conviction, to confront all sorts of hardships, such as technical challenges in natural environments, as well as financial challenges and changes in times and social circumstances. Their grand projects may also be said to be grand urban projects proposed by artistic creators. By temporarily or permanently changing the city and natural landscapes, their works permeate through our daily lives. By taking part in the project and being involved from the production process, cooperators from public institutions, corporation, and other interested persons, too, get to experience the fun of working together and the joys of creating things. This is another major characteristic of this exhibition.

Interview with Christo in New York (February 2017）

Yusuke Asai, “yamatane”, 2014. © Yusuke Asai. Courtesy of Urano and Rice University Art Gallery. Photo Nash Baker

Lucerne Festival Ark Nova, sketch by Arata Isozaki

Lucerne Festival Ark Nova: event scene at Fukushima, 2015

Tatzu Nishi, The Merlion Hotel Singapore Biennale 2011

Tatzu Nishi, Solar system billiards, 2009. Collection Mifuyu Ishii

The works they express encourage us to experience new things, and make us aware of enjoyment and sets of values we had never thought of previously. The exhibition will convey the extraordinary power that such creations have, and the joys that spread from there.

Until 1 October 2017
Grand Projects: how far will you go?
21_21 Design Sight
Midtown Garden, Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Curator: Naoko Aono
Exhibition design: Yuri Naruse / Jun Inokuma / Misato Honda (Naruse Inokuma Architects)
Exhibition graphic design: Yuzo Kariya / Nao Kakuta (neucitora)

Grand Projects

Curated by Naoko Aono, the new 21_21 Design Sight’s exhibition “Grand Projects: how far will you go?” showcases bold and innovative ideas that transcend existing modes of expressions.

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