venice art biennale 2013: gas giant by jacob hashimoto in progress

‘gas giant’ by jacob hashimoto installed at the fondazione querini stampalia in veniceall images courtesy of studio la città – verona

a large-scale site-specific installation by jacob hashimoto takes over the rooms of the fondazione querini stampalia during the 2013 venice art biennale from may 29th to september 1st.

‘gas giant’, which we first saw at rhona hoffman gallery in chicago (see designboom’s coverage of its debut here), is a composition of 10,000 bamboo paper kites which have been made and hand-painted by the new york-based artist. the stylistic elements bring about a sense of nostalgia for hashimoto, reminding him of his childhood–drawing on connection to nature, rather than a direct relationship to his japanese origins. individually, the small paper and wood components are visually light, but when collectively arranged to form the larger work, they create thick, colorful clouds depicting geometric patterns and nature motifs of water and plants, conveying a particular movement that is both temporal and rhythmic. the delicacy of the applied materials immerse the visitor in a moment of stillness, while at the same time expressing a more grandiose feel because of the expansiveness of the installation itself.  

‘gas giant’ has been curated by marco meneguzzo and organized by studio la città – verona and is accompanied by hashimoto’s first monograph, published by marsilio editori and edited by curator luca massimo barbero.

elements which are visually similar are grouped together creating cloud-like formations

the miniature kits have been made and hand-painted by the artist himself

installation of ‘gas giant’ in progress

nature motifs of water and plants are also seen on the geometric elements

bold colorful patterns adorn others

artist jacob hashimoto installing ‘gas giant’

worm’s-eye view

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