Did you know that public art by graphic designer MATSUNAGA Shin (1940-) has been installed on the grounds of Herbis OSAKA, a commercial complex in Nishi-Umeda, Osaka? Mr. Matsunaga is known for his numerous posters, logos and packages for well-known companies and universities.
This public artwork is part of a series of works using steel plates called “Teppan Freaks,” developed from Matsunaga's “Paper Freaks” drawing and “Metal Freaks” bronze sculpture. 10 of them are located throughout the grounds of Herbis OSAKA, and were installed during construction in 1997. One of the most symbolic works is “Kabe-nuke-neko(The Cat Which Passes through the Wall)” in which a cat is installed so that it pierces the corner of the building.
At the time of its creation, Mr. Matsunaga proposed several artworks to be connected to the building, and the only one that was realized was “Kabe-nuke Neko". This was because of the limited number of artworks that could be installed due to safety and structural concerns in the actual construction process. Indeed, a public artwork that seems to penetrate the building is very innovative. It is interesting to imagine what kind of structure it would have, and what other ideas might have been generated.
Besides “Kabe-nuke Neko,” “TobenaiWa(Can't jump,Circle.)” “Fuku wa uchi(Good fortune is within.)” and “Hohoemi(Smile)” are also installed. Matsunaga's light-hearted public artworks evoke a sense of mischievousness. Please look for them when you visit Herbis OSAKA.
MATSUNAGA Shin, “Fuku wa uchi”(Good fortune is within.)
Adress | Herbis OSAKA perimeter, 2-5-25 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0001, Japan |
Access from nearest station | ・Hanshin 'Osaka-Umeda station, a short walk from the west exit. ・JR ‘Osaka’ station, 2-minute walk from Sakurabashi exit. ・Kitashinchi Station on the JR Tozai Line, 2-minute walk from the west ticket gate. ・12-minute walk from Osaka-Umeda Station on the Hankyu Railway. ・Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line ‘Nishi-Umeda’ station, a short walk from the north ticket gate. ・Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Umeda Station, 5-minute walk from the south ticket gate. ・Higashi-Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line, 6-minute walk from the north ticket gate. |
「ハービスOSAKA」 公式Webサイト |