Japanese artist starts his installation entitled Chairs for Abu Dhabi one month before the Capital’s biggest art event kicks off
The creation by Japanese artist Tadashi Kawamata of his sculptural installation, Chairs for Abu Dhabi, has begun, roughly a month before Abu Dhabi Art opens to the public (7 – 10 November). The art work, constructed from hundreds of chairs stacked in layers, forming a six metre-high edifice and dedicated to the act of socialisation, invites visitors to pause, exchange or simply reconsider the architecture of the space. Born in 1953 in Hokkaido, Japan, Kawamata produces installations in-situ, constructed in wood. These ephemeral constructions take the form of foot bridges, covered or not, towers or gigantic huts. With the intention of linking the workspaces, he creates a link between the past and the present, the exterior and the interior. Chairs for Abu Dhabi is brought to Abu Dhabi Art by gallery kamel mennour as part of Abu Dhabi Art’s 2012 BEYOND section which includes larger installations or sculptures beyond the gallery section of the fair. Chairs for Abu Dhabi is a contemplative space - a space for storytelling, discussion and workshops. The interior area itself will be a lively and mutable space furnished with floor-cushions to allow people the freedom to move and arrange as they wish, for the various activities. In the interim periods, it will be a place for people to gather, rest and learn more about craft and design through a collection of books and journals available. Abu Dhabi Art is organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority to further promote Abu Dhabi as a catalyst for art and culture – locally, regionally, and internationally. Galleries can exhibit under the following banners; Modern & Contemporary Galleries, Signature (one emerging artist per exhibitor) and Beyond. In addition, the Abu Dhabi Art organisers give one emerging gallery the opportunity to take part in Bidaya, which translated from Arabic means ‘beginning’. Abu Dhabi Art creates the opportunity for gallerists, collectors, artists and art aficionados to meet, to acquire new artworks, share ideas and exchange information. Providing a wide spectrum of the visual arts including painting, sculpture, drawing, installation and photography as well as video and digital art by more than 400 artists, Abu Dhabi Art showcases both renowned and emerging artists. Since its inception, the fair has also supported new artists gaining foothold into the market and has artwork appealing to different tastes and budgets. Engaging with the community is an essential part of the Abu Dhabi Art platform and visitors can enrich their experience through the many public and education programmes that are an integral part of the platform’s offerings, including a dedicated Art Zone space for children.
