The unique work of an award winning Japanese artist can be seen for the first time in the UK in a new installation and exhibition in Wakefield.
Aqua-scape, which has been created and designed by Ryumei Fujiki and the Fujuki Studio, is in the Orangery gardens, Back Lane, Wakefield until 23 August.
Created from plastic using classical origami techniques, Aqua-scape is a cocoon like urban folly or hide out that appears to float in the greenery of the Orangery Gardens. A new version of the artwork, which was first seen in Japan, has been created especially for showing in Wakefield.
The Orangery is run by Beam, an Arts Council reguarly funded organisation dedicated to the imaginative understanding and improvement of the public realm.
Tokyo-based Fujiki Studio specialises in research on sustainable experimentation and the utilisation of alternative materials.
An exhibition and a series of events linked to the artwork is also being hosted by Beam.
The exhibition, in the Beam Gallery, will explain through models, drawings and photos how Ryumei and his studio developed the ingenious concept of Aqua-scape.
There will be a special exhibition opening in the evening on 27 June and 29 July as part of Wakefield Art Walk.
Over the summer students from Greenhead College in Huddersfield will work alongside Ryumei and his students from Tokyo to develop a response to Aqua-scape and the Orangery. This exciting cultural exchange provides an opportunity for both sets of students to explore public art, regeneration and design.
Robert Powell, Executive Director of Beam, said: ‘We’re delighted to be welcoming Ryumei and Aqua-scape to Beam. So much of what he does explores and celebrates art’s role in the making of successful places. Here in Wakefield and this region we are in the midst of important regeneration and change. So it’s very timely to be able to bring this inspiring work by Ryumei to further promote the debate about how artists can contribute to the creative and continuing development of the public realm. It is what Beam is all about. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Orangery and to our exhibition.’
Adrian Friedli, Director, Visual Arts & Literature, Arts Council England, Yorkshire added: ‘Through Turning Point, our ten-year strategy for strengthening the contemporary visual arts, Arts Council England is working to foster innovation and excellence. Aqua-scape and the linked exhibition and events is a superb example of how these aims can be realised – bringing highly imaginative new work into the region that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people in many different ways.‘
Founded in 1986 Beam has engaged thousands of people in creative education, arts projects and events in Yorkshire and elsewhere in England, and coordinated over 300 public art projects and strategies.
For more information visit: Beam
