Japanese artist helps NYC rediscover Columbus

Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi has been commissioned to build a large-scale installation surrounding New York’s famous monument Columbus Circle. Titled Discovering Columbus, this installation will allow visitors to see famous New York landscapes from Columbus’ perspective.

According to The Public Art Fund, who commissioned the installation, this work will recontextualise "the historical monument at the center of Columbus Circle, placing it in the middle of a contemporary living room, six stories above the street."

They further added:

'[Nishi's] work will temporarily transform the traditional monument into a contemporary artwork, reshaping visitors’ perceptions of both. And through large, loft-style windows, the work will grant visitors dramatic views of Central Park and Midtown Manhattan.'

The six-story living room designed by Nishi will also be decorated with contemporary pieces from Bloomingdale’s, and is sure to be a real treat for all New Yorkers.

'This fall, New York City will rediscover Christopher Columbus in a new and exciting way, thanks to the creativity of Tatzu Nishi,' New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said. 'It makes perfect sense for this innovative artist's first North American installation to be staged in New York City, which has always been home to groundbreaking public art. This is sure to become another must-visit attraction for the millions of tourists who will visit New York City this fall to enjoy our vibrant cultural institutions and art scene.'

Now one of New York’s most famous statues, Columbus Circle was unveiled in 1892 in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the explorer’s voyage to the Americas. Designed by Italian sculptor Gaetano Russo, the statue will soon find itself surrounded by a fully-furnished room supported by metal scaffolding and featuring custom wallpaper by the artist.

'Christopher Columbus is an enduring icon of exploration and discovery, and the prominence of Columbus Circle is a testament to his historical and cultural significance,' said Nicholas Baume, Public Art Fund Director and Chief Curator. 'When Tatzu first visited New York City, he became fascinated with the statue. He realised that despite its central location the Columbus statue is barely visible, a solitary figure hiding in plain sight atop a column some 70 feet in the air. Tatzu felt it was time to give Columbus an apartment of his own, with Central Park views, and to throw an open house to which all of New York City is invited.'

Discovering Columbus will open to the public in September. The decorated room will be accessible via a flight of stairs within the scaffolding, as well as through a lift implemented for those who need assistance.

Visiting the installation will be free of charge, although visitors will have to reserve passes through the Public Art Fund website before visiting.