Discovering Columbus

Before telling you about today’s topic I’d like to answer to someone who asked me when the blog started: it started September 2011. I also would like to say that I appreciate this person’s comment and am very glad he/she is enjoying my blog and finding it useful.

A couple days ago, I came to Columbus Circle and something unusual caught my eyes– the Columbus monument was surrounded by some structure and I so people climbing stairs inside this structure. On the structure I read "Discovering Columbus".

It's the latest creation by Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi, turning the Columbus Monument into a piece of conceptual art. A new exhibit is allowing people to view a statue of Christopher Columbus as if it were right inside their living room.

Most New Yorkers can only dream of an apartment like this - spectacular views of midtown Manhattan, an iconic work of art in the living room and prime Columbus Circle location.

The living room is 27-foot by 30-foot and complete with couch, lamps, television and coffee table - wrapping around the statue, situated atop a six-story column at one of Manhattan's busiest intersections near Central Park.

The spacious room with contemporary furnishings is so authentic looking it is easy to forget you're standing on top of a huge monument in Manhattan. The room has pink wallpaper, designed by Nishi, and features small illustrations of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Mickey Mouse, cowboys and other pop culture images. Burgundy drapes hang on large picture windows. Visitors can sit on the purple couch, at the foot of Columbus, and watch a flat-screen TV tuned in to CNN.

Up to 25 people at a time can enter the living room by using the stairs inside the scaffolding and enjoy a rare opportunity to see the 1892 marble figure of the great Italian explorer up close. Since 70-foot climb from the ground floor could be a problem, an elevator is available for those who can't climb the stairs.

Although not everyone is enthusiastic about the artwork, I want to add that Nishi, who is internationally known for transforming historical monuments by surrounding them with domestic spaces, said the aim of his piece is to put the viewer at eye level with the statue. "Discovering Columbus" is his first public art project in the United States. His other works include "Villa Victoria," a temporary functioning hotel around a statue of Queen Victoria for the 2002 Liverpool Biennial.

Visitors can reserve free advance passes to "Discovering Columbus" through the Public Art Fund's website at http://ev6.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=CC&linkID=img-aeg&shopperContext=&caller=&appCode=&format=grpMenu

Entry to this exhibition is by timed ticket only, and each visitor must present his or her own pass to enter. Each pass is valid for the date and time indicated and grants access to the exhibition for up to 30 minutes.

So, if you are a New Yorker or planning to visit New York between now and November 21, try to “Discover Columbus”.

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