Discovering Columbus Exhibit

Discovering Columbus is a temporary, public art installation by Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi. Nishi is known for reimagining public monuments so that we see them in a different context.

In this work, he takes the inaccessible statue of Columbus, which stands over 70 feet above Columbus Circle in Manhattan, and enables us to view the work up close within the confines of a living space.

The 13-foot statue of Columbus was commissioned by the city for the 400^th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage to the New World. The statue was unveiled in 1892 and has remained atop its tall granite column for over 100 years, largely invisible against the bright sky.

The exhibit runs from September through November, 2012, and consists of a large scaffold atop which sits the living room, complete with furniture, lamps, a television, and bookshelf. One climbs up the steps to the top where Eighth Avenue, Broadway, and 59^th Street vanish toward the horizon, and Central Park stretches to the north.

The Statue & the Room

The room is kitchy in its way. The wallpaper has images of Americana on it, from cowboys and McDonald’s, to Marilyn Monroe and Michael Jackson.

The statue itself was cool to see up close. Many feel he’s sporting a somewhat effeminate pose here… I feel an “I came, I conquered” sort of swagger is on display.

The View

The view, seven stories above Columbus Circle, ain’t too shabby, particularly on this fall day. There’s a sense of urgency up here because all who visit know they will never be in this position, 70 feet above Columbus Circle, again in their lives, these shots have gotta count!