Behind the Scenes
The Ceramic Relief Artwork “ELEMENTS OF FUTURE” — Original Artwork and Supervision by Katsuhiro Otomo
Institute of Science Tokyo, Ookayama Campus
A Powerful 3D Artwork That Harmonizes with Its Surroundings While Making a Striking Presence
Behind the Craftsmanship
An Unparalleled World of Expression Created Through Intricate Details, Dynamic Forms, and Beautiful Glazes
This artwork depicts the complexity of our ever-changing world by adding new elements—such as humanity, cities, science, culture, and art—to the five classical elements believed to constitute all matter.
Created with a highly challenging spherical double-layered structure, the work features a blue void at the center of its swirling form. This space embodies Katsuhiro Otomo’s message and hope that students will shape and create the future with their own hands.
Challenges in the Creative Process
The artwork featured a structure unlike anything the studio had created before: a 5-meter-diameter hemispherical form resembling a large bowl, built with a double-layered construction. It was a challenging proposal that reflected Katsuhiro Otomo’s constant pursuit of new forms of expression.
“The elements of humanity, cities, science, politics, culture, and art swirl together, drawn into the void at the center. I want you, the students, to think about what you will create from that space.”
These ideas were entrusted to the composition of the artwork.
Due to the complexity of its form, the artwork took one year and seven months to complete after the original design was finalized. The finished piece consists of 565 individual ceramic panels.
Upon completion
In December 2020, the opening ceremony of the building designed by Kengo Kuma and the unveiling ceremony of the artwork were held simultaneously. Kuma himself praised the work, saying, “This artwork has elevated the value of my architecture.”
This artwork has become a symbol of Taki Plaza, an international exchange hub, and a place where students gather and relax. As globalization continues to advance, this space has become a starting point for diverse interactions and exchanges among students from around the world.
Artist Profile
OTOMO Katsuhiro
OTOMO Katsuhiro
Manga artist, Movie director
His major works are "Domu", "AKIRA", etc. He has given a great influence on the cartoon world after 1980s, through his style, which had not existed in previous Japanese cartoons such as drawing precisely with uniform lines without relying on pen touch and configuring screens with complicated perspective drawings. He is working on the video also, by directing feature animation works "AKIRA", "MEMORIES", "STEAMBOY" and so on by himself.
HISAO & HIROKO TAKI PLAZA 1st floor, Institute of Science Tokyo, Ookayama Campus
Artist's Words
The five elemental components said to constitute the world—Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void—have changed significantly since the era before science.
Although we walk on the ground every day, it is now covered with asphalt and pavement, making it difficult to sense the changing seasons through the earth beneath our feet.
While we walk upon the Earth every day, it is now covered in asphalt and pavement, making it impossible to feel the turning of the seasons from the ground beneath our feet.
Water is taken from taps or water servers.
Fire is lit with matches or lighters, but even these are now being replaced by electric heat.
If one wishes to enjoy the mysterious and profound beauty of a flame, one must go into the mountains and build a bonfire.
On the upper floors of high-rise buildings, the Wind is shut out, while the blades of wind turbines rotating in the distance can only be seen hazily on the horizon.
In the city, the area of the Sky is becoming increasingly narrow, crowded by the height of architecture.
Upon the foundations of nature, the rise and fall of civilizations, history, and culture have been accumulated.
For better or worse, the world does not stop its progress.
How does the world appear to those of us caught in the midst of its vortex?
Its chaotic appearance may be both beautiful and hideous at the same time.
However, as we steadily stack further layers upon it, it seems these elements will take on entirely new forms.
Starting with a new generation of people, then the urban environments that surround them, followed by science, politics, culture, and art.
Perhaps these will gradually become borderless and abstract.
I hope that within this evolving world, there will be a future that we can choose and shape for ourselves.