Window II in Rye Town Park
The Rye Arts Center Presents Window II by Natsuki Takauji In Rye Town Park
Next time you stroll through Rye Town Park you’ll find a new addition to the landscape. Window II is an interactive sculpture created by New York-based Japanese artist Natsuki Takauji. This new work of art is a functioning swing surrounded by colorful windows. Made of stainless steel, steel, paint, fabric, and acrylic, Window II stands ten feet tall and overlooks the Long Island Sound. You won’t find the typical “do not touch” sign near this sculpture. Instead, visitors are encouraged to climb aboard and enjoy the swing.
The artist shares in a statement:
“‘Window’ means our perception. We are seeing everything through some sort of ‘Window’, and I am hoping this interactive sculpture will give a new experience of art in nature, art in public, and also one’s perception. Swing is a metaphor of our life, we never stay still, moving from space to space, state to state, emotion to emotion. The design of it can remind us of many things that contain us and move us forward.”
Takauji studied drawing, painting, and sculpture at The Art Students League of New York where she currently teaches metal sculpture. Her work has been shown at the Venice Architecture Biennale, Berkeley College Gallery, Noho Gallery, The Center for Contemporary Art Bedminster, and The Cathedral of St. John the Divine. As the title implies, Window II echoes a previous work by Takauji, Window, which was displayed in Manhattan’s Riverside Park in 2014-2015.
Window II is part of The Rye Arts Center’s Public Art Initiative led by local sculptor, Bob Clyatt. It is a temporary installation and will remain in Rye Town Park for one year.
All are invited to learn more about Ms. Takauji and her work at an artist talk on Friday, July 26, at 5:30 PM. The talk will take place at the sculpture.
Window II is made possible through collaboration with Rye Town Park and the generous support of ArtsWestchester, New York State Council on the Arts, Westchester Community Foundation, and Con-Tech Construction Technology, Inc.
About The Rye Arts Center
The Rye Art Center was founded in 1960 by five Rye families and four hundred odd dollars. The Rye Arts Center serves more than 35,000 residents annually in approximately 30 towns/villages, covering a diverse region in Westchester and lower Fairfield Counties. Its programs, which cost over $1,200,000 a year to operate, are supported by tuition, memberships, private and public grant-making agencies, corporate contributions, special events, and the generous donations of individuals in our communities. Our mission is to inspire life-long enthusiasm and participation in the arts through best-in-class artistic offerings and educational programs. We strive to positively impact our local communities by bringing attention to the importance of the arts, creating a destination for diverse voices, and providing meaningful artistic opportunities.
The Rye Art Center was founded in 1960 by five Rye families and four hundred odd dollars. The Rye Arts Center serves more than 35,000 residents annually in approximately 30 towns/villages, covering a diverse region in Westchester and lower Fairfield Counties. Its programs, which cost over $1,200,000 a year to operate, are supported by tuition, memberships, private and public grant-making agencies, corporate contributions, special events, and the generous donations of individuals in our communities. Our mission is to inspire life-long enthusiasm and participation in the arts through best-in-class artistic offerings and educational programs. We strive to positively impact our local communities by bringing attention to the importance of the arts, creating a destination for diverse voices, and providing meaningful artistic opportunities.