Spirale 1993

Katsuhito Nishikawa made this piece called Spirale, and I have no idea when. It’s a spatial sculpture made of concrete or plasterboard, and is all in shades of grey. I like how the starkness of the monochrome palette directs attention to the architecture of the sculpture itself, highlighting its lines and volume. The sculpture’s surface looks matte and smooth, cool to the touch. I see a gesture of control here, maybe even a kind of rigidity. In the stark lighting, the sculpture's form resembles a maze or labyrinth, inviting viewers to ponder themes of exploration and disorientation. As you walk around the sculpture, notice how the relationship between the viewer and the sculpture changes. When I look at this piece I am reminded of the minimalist architect Tadao Ando, who also works with exposed concrete. I like to think of art and architecture as an ongoing dialogue, continually reshaping our perceptions.