アートのひみつ！
Artworks have arrived in our familiar, everyday place. Each artwork has a special bond with the location through the landscape designed for it. Take a look, have a walk, and you’ll become part of the landscape. Enjoy the scenery on your way to school.
Q1. What kind of place did you create here?
Kiyoaki Takeda: This place has steep hills, so it’s difficult to build things or make fields. But I thought that made it interesting. I wanted to create a landscape where people enjoy walking through. It is not just about installing art. I took into account the soil and the plants around us.
Q2. Why is soil important?
Kiyoaki Takeda: Soil is very important, because plants need soil to grow and soil keeps water inside.
I wanted my design to blend in with the beautiful landscape, rather than standing out by itself.
By using soil, stones, and plants, I tried to make the artwork look like a real part of nature.
Q3. What kind of design ideas did you incorporate into the paths and big open space?
Kiyoaki Takeda: When you walk around the artwork, you will discover many hidden details. I designed the winding paths and rolling to create a memorable landscape like ancient ruins or burial mounds from a long time ago. I hope you will enjoy the view up close and from far away.
Q4. What will happen to this place over time?
Kiyoaki Takeda: Plants will grow little by little. The soil will change its color and shape, too.
The end of its construction is not the end of this place’s story. Rather, I want it to keep growing for many years. Please enjoy watching how it changes with each season.
Q5. Is there anything you’d like to tell the children?
Kiyoaki Takeda: Even on the path you walk down every day, you will find something new if you look closely. I’d be happy if this place could be the starting point for you to find the charm of your town and nature. When you grow up, I also hope this scenery will stay in your heart as a happy memory.
Q6. You used to study old buildings abroad. Did that experience influence on the way you worked on this project?
Kiyoaki Takeda: Yes. I studied ancient buildings and ruins in the UK and Italy. Even after people have left, old buildings can be new homes for plants and other living things. I always love to see how they change over time.
This place will also change as plants grow here. I hope you’ll enjoy watching the landscape keep transforming.
Translation: Junko Kawakami
インタビュアー
Reiko Tsubaki
a curator at the Mori Art Museum