Balance Of Power
Hong Kong Tatler|August 2019

With an exhibition under way at Pace Gallery, Kohei Nawa discusses his obsessions: tradition, technology and artificial intelligence

Balance Of Power
Japanese sculptor Kohei Nawa is an artist of the 21st century. He’s obsessed with artificial intelligence. He uses Twitter. His Kyoto studio is packed not with clay and carving knives but with iMacs loaded with the 3D modelling software he uses to shape ambitious, futuristic sculptures, many of which can only be built with the help of machines that mould materials in ways human hands never could. But when Nawa talks about his art, it becomes clear that it’s about more than technology—it’s about tradition.

“The Japanese culture is very philosophical and it is a very important source of inspiration for me,” says Nawa. “I really respect the wonderful skills of craftsmen, whose practices are also ways of thinking and ways of living.”

This mix of the old and new can be seen in one of Nawa’s most famous works, a dazzling 10.4-metre-tall golden throne that was suspended above visitors’ heads in the Louvre’s glass pyramid from July last year to February this year. “Created with reference to the forms of festival floats and portable shrines that appear in the rituals and festivities of the East, Throne fuses today’s 3D modelling techniques with gold leaf techniques that date back to ancient Egypt,” says Nawa.

Bu hikaye Hong Kong Tatler dergisinin August 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Hong Kong Tatler dergisinin August 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

HONG KONG TATLER DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
THE LAST WORD
Tatler Hong Kong

THE LAST WORD

Every issue, we ask our cover star a round of quickfire questions that give us a little more insight into their personalities. This month: Gulf Kanawut lays it bare

time-read
1 min  |
July 2024
WOMEN AT THE WICKET
Tatler Hong Kong

WOMEN AT THE WICKET

Asia's women's cricket teams from outside the Indian subcontinent have been rapidly rising up through the ranks, creating opportunities, breaking barriers and changing the game as they go

time-read
10+ dak  |
July 2024
TIME TURNER
Tatler Hong Kong

TIME TURNER

A 2024 Turner Prize nominee, British Filipino artist Pio Abad talks to Tatler about carrying on family legacy, unearthing historical connections and why the Philippines is always at the core of his work

time-read
7 dak  |
July 2024
ROYAL RICHES
Tatler Hong Kong

ROYAL RICHES

Ahead of the opening of Prince and the Peacock, Black Sheep Restaurants' latest establishment, Tatler joins the hospitality group on a culinary pilgrimage to India

time-read
8 dak  |
July 2024
MAKING HER POINT
Tatler Hong Kong

MAKING HER POINT

Foil fencer Daphne Chan is happy to see the rising interest in her sport since Cheung Ka-long's historic win, and is headed to the Games with impressive wins behind her. But she's not allowing the pressure to get to her, and is most excited about who she might meet in Paris

time-read
3 dak  |
July 2024
IN IT TO WIN IT
Tatler Hong Kong

IN IT TO WIN IT

Hong Kong freestyle swimmer Ian Ho, whose Instagram handle @Amphlb_ian playfully alludes to his aquatic prowess, competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and won silver in the men's 50 metres freestyle at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. This month, he will represent Hong Kong at the Paris Olympics. He talks to Tatler about making Hong Kong proud, life as a student and professional athlete-and why relaxing is the way forward

time-read
3 dak  |
July 2024
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Tatler Hong Kong

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Two-time Olympic swimmer Camille Cheng thought Tokyo 2020 would be her last Games, but competing in Paris was too big a draw for the French Chinese athlete

time-read
3 dak  |
July 2024
INTRIGUE AND INTRICACIES
Tatler Hong Kong

INTRIGUE AND INTRICACIES

Parisian artist Ugo Gattoni takes us through his elaborately designed poster for the Olympics and Paralympics in his home city this month

time-read
3 dak  |
July 2024
Crafting a New Legacy
Tatler Hong Kong

Crafting a New Legacy

Nicholas Lieou, creative director of high jewellery at Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, is reimagining jewellery, as the brand celebrates its 95th anniversary

time-read
2 dak  |
July 2024
A Lasting Legacy
Tatler Hong Kong

A Lasting Legacy

Tatler explores Cartier's latest Watches and Wonders novelties with the maison's image, style and heritage director, who explains how the luxury house continues to create designs that are relevant today, yet rooted in legacy

time-read
3 dak  |
July 2024