Artist installs tree houses in NYC park

Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 11:10 am

It’s not what you expect to see in such an urban setting, but New York’s Madison Square park in now home to a a dozen tree houses, perched high amongst the branches.

Japanese-born artist Tadashi Kawamata and half a dozen assistants have spent more than a week working on this public installation, which combines the artist’s interest in mixing private shelters with public spaces.

The artist said he liked to construct things as a child, and that the exhibit is about changing the way people perceive objects in everyday life. The tree huts are constructed from pine, between 15 and 40 feet (4.5 and 12 metres) above the ground, and won’t be accessible by the general public.

Wearing special safety harnesses, Tadashi and his assistants have been using a lift to transport materials and construct the huts. Despite spending most of each day high up in the trees, Tadashi admitted that he is afraid of heights and never even goes up the Empire State building.

While New York City is no stranger to unique art exhibits, Tadashi’s installation has failed to impress local residents, with some expressing disappointment that they can’t go inside the dwellings while others are concerned incase any harm comes to the trees.

Tadashi said that every precaution had been taken to protect the trees, including rubber mats to cushion the tree trunks and branches from the timber palings. The exhibition will officially open on 2 October and will run until 31 December.

(Agencies)

( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by APakistanNews.Com.)

Artist installs tree houses in NYC park

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