The acclaimed Japanese artist, best known for his striking photography, begins by reflecting on his latest projects as he expands his venture into a new creative territory – architecture. “A young, coming up, architect” he describes himself, the medium has allowed him to explore his interests in science and mathematics.
Sugimoto’s new monumental sculpture ‘Point of Infinity’, which will be installed upon the Hilltop Park on Yerba Buena Island in the view from iconic Bay Bridge in San Francisco, is based on the mathematical formula for infinity. Planned to sit at 22 meters high, and only 21 millimeters wide at the highest point, “this is not a shape created by an artistic mind, mathematical thinking makes an even better sculpture shape” he says.
Another central part of his architectural practice is to honor the materials and workings of the past. This is reflected in his first architectural venture ‘The Glass Tea House Mondrian’ in conjunction with the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale, where the artist incorporated steppingstones used to create Japanese tea houses in the 16th century. Sugimoto believes “we have to pay attention back to the old style...where the people, craftsmen spent their time and energy.”
Seascapes are also a common thread in his work, the artist reminisces his first memory as a child and first experience of the sea. “I woke up, I am here, I am human, I’m seeing the sea” he says, adding that today it inspires him that this experience “can be shared with ancient people.”
Not only a creator, Sugimoto is a devoted collector, with a particular interest in ancient artifacts. These findings have inspired the artist, both in life and his practice, to reflect on the “curious phenomenon” of design, the evolution of civilization and the sustainability of the modern world. “Now it’s getting more and more serious... we are approaching a different kind of state”, he adds “We are eating up the resources, it’s very clear.”
In conversation with Hans Ulrich Obrist, Creative Director of The Serpentine, London, this talk is part of the Artist Talks series, co-presented with Fondation Beyeler, and took place at the first edition of ART SG 2023.
