Architecture as Air is the title of this installation by Junya Ishigami in The Curve at The Barbican. All one can see is a minimal arrangement of white threadlike columns and beams suspended against the white gallery walls. Look more closely however (much much more) and you detect the transparent filaments supporting the structure. I was only able to spot them in any number towards the end of the installation. My emotions changed from confusion to exhilaration and wonder at the magic of the piece.
This quote from him, taken from the exhibition handout outlines his approach:
” A cloud is one new image for architecture
Clouds appear as a phenomenon of nature.
Architecture that floats lightly in the air, soft and fluffy like a cloud, transparent and intricate like an airflow, vast and enormous, but even then having no substance.
Such is the kind of architecture I pursue.
In something lying between natural phenomena and built structure there may be new potential for architecture.”
No photos were permitted – they probably wouldn’t give any idea of the delicacy of the piece – so all I can show you is an image of his previous work and urge you to see this exhibition if you possibly can.
This runs till 16th October so you have some time to get there.
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