Thank you to Tadashi Kawamata for joining us on TheBoldWay! Tadashi is a globally renowned Japanese artist who transforms urban spaces with his monumental wooden installations, creating structures that are both ephemeral and captivating. First recognized at the Venice Biennale, he has left a lasting impression with his works at PS1 in New York, the Documenta in Kassel, and in Paris with his iconic project of 8,000 chairs at the Salpêtrière.
In this episode, he shares his extraordinary journey: a childhood in a mining town in Japan, his obsession with parasitic structures, and his relationship with time, impermanence, and urban chaos. Why does he refuse to be categorized as either an artist or an architect? How does he fund large-scale projects without a safety net? And most importantly, what is his vision of a world where every work is a coincidence—an intentional accident?
A rare and inspiring conversation with a man who deconstructs and reconstructs our perception of art. Enjoy listening!
A fascinating episode on boldness, uncompromising creativity, and building a career outside the beaten path!
02:30 – Origins and early journey: Childhood in Hokkaido, father was a miner, initial disinterest in art, entering Tokyo University of the Arts.
08:45 – The emergence of a style and influences: Meeting with a contemporary art professor, fascination with Joseph Beuys, first experiments with installations.
15:20 – From Tokyo to international recognition: Early successes in Tokyo galleries, moving to New York with a PS1 grant, immersion in the art scene with Basquiat and Keith Haring.
25:45 – The concept of temporality and parasitic structures: Creation of ephemeral installations, recycling materials, influence of Tokyo’s ever-changing urbanism.
35:30 – The Sainte-Pétrière Hospital and monumental installations: Landmark project with 8,000 stacked chairs, funding through art sales, media impact.
45:15 – Between art and architecture: The concept of "Ma" in Japanese culture—bridging the gap between art and architecture, reflections on impermanence and constant renewal of works.
55:00 – Collaborations and luxury: Working with Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons, collaborations with Hermès and Pierre Yovanovitch, integrating design into his art.
1:05:00 – Personal life and legacy: Late marriage, having children after turning 50, balancing family life with artistic creation.
1:15:00 – Advice for young artists: The need to invest in one’s work before 45, the importance of perseverance and risk-taking in an artistic career.
1:18:45 – Closing and conclusion: Revisiting his intuitive approach, final thoughts, and end of the episode.
Distribué par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.