In the world of artist Kohei Nawa, organic forms invariably become stylized and artificial. Nawa’s installation “Force,” on view at the Museum on Echigo-Tsumari (MonET) in Niigata, blurs the lines further.
The sculptor behind the popular PixCell deer sculptures has created a mesmerizing work that bewitches the senses. What look like drapes of thin black rope run floor to ceiling, seemingly primed to vibrate like strings on a harp. It takes a moment to comprehend the mechanics of the work: Is it static or dynamic? Solid or liquid? Are the lines fixed at the top and bottom, or does gravity run this show? The sound, too, confuses the viewer: Under the noise of a fan or some mechanical puppeteer comes the aural texture of something sticky.
Not to mention the smell.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.