The Centre Pompidou that got £90 million worth of renovations on its 40th anniversary, is hosting “The Challenge”, a retrospective exhibition on the works of the internationally acclaimed Japanese architect, Tadao Ando. Organized by the Japan Foundation, Center Pompidou, and the Tadao Ando Exhibition Committee, the exhibition showcases the endeavors of the Pritzker Prize-winning architect over the past 50 years and his vision for the future.
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Meditation Space UNESCO, 1995, Paris, France. Photo Tadao Ando
The Exhibition of Tadao Ando in Centre Pompidou:
The exhibition is curated by Fréderique Migayrou. It is divided into four thematic sections: the ‘Basic Form of Space’, ‘Urban Challenge‘, the ‘Origins of Landscape’, and ‘Dialogue with History’. These sections are designed around a central installation called ‘Naoshima’. Naoshima is an island town in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, known for its contemporary art and architecture museums. Ando’s three museums at Naoshima are known for having a deep connection to the natural landscape of the island.
Festival, 1984, Naha Okinawa, Japan. Photo Tadao Ando
‘The Challenge’ explores the creative principles in the works of the architect. His unparalleled work with smooth concrete and the use of sleek geometry is the reason why he is highly regarded in the architectural fraternity. In addition, his sensitive treatment of light and water in his structures makes his work stand out.
Tadao explains his creative process, where he often tries to understand the very reason why architecture exists, “Given that it is used by people, it has close links with the body… Architecture should provide a place for mankind’s sense of joy. Otherwise, our bodies are not attracted to it.”
Shanghai Poly Theater, 2014, Shanghai, China. Photo Shigeo Ogawa.
He muses over how light can be incorporated seamlessly into architecture, “What I felt when observing Romanesque churches… has that hope resided in light alone? I created the Church of Light, wondering whether the symbol of the community wasn’t light. The architecture also involves creating places for the community. I produce my architecture by asking myself how I can create things that remain forever imprinted on people’s souls.”
50 projects by the self-taught architect are on display at the exhibition. 70 scale models, 180 drawings, and several slideshows further explain his cutting-edge masterpieces. Also, on display are graphic drawings, travel notebooks, and photographs taken by and Ando.
‘The Challenge’ can be viewed at the Centre Pompidou from October 10th, 2018 to December 31st, 2018.
