Art in the sky

I admittedly love going up to the top of Mori Tower.  On a clear day, you can see for kilometers and kilometers.  But they also have lots of fun temporary features up on the 52nd floor, like the Pixar exhibit and moon viewing. 

We don't always go, but the Mori Art Museum is also housed up the tower on the 53rd floor.  The last time we went up there, the museum was closed as they set up for a new show.  I could see interesting string art that intrigued me.  So, when we had the chance to go up and check out the art of Shiota Chiharu, I was eager to see what it entailed.

We took the escalator from the observation deck to the museum to see what the string would lead to. 

I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting.  The artist, Shiota Chiharu, is a Japanese woman who currently lives in Berlin.  She is known for her string art, photography, and stage designs. 

The first room was shocking.  Red string was pulled into a fantastic web of design.  My son and I stood there for the longest time with our mouths agape.  It took a while for us to take it all in. 

As we continued further into the museum, it got darker and darker.  The photography was especially freaky.  I suddenly thought maybe I should not have brought my son to see this.  Another guest, a child about my son's age, was crying, obviously disturbed by what she was seeing.  I am all about self expression, but the images were jarring.  (The pictures featured a woman covered in blood.  They were so disturbing, I didn't take any photographs.)

We passed quickly by the photography and found a room with a miniature display.  My son was intrigued and laid right on the floor to see everything close up.

Each room was so different.  Shiota is a very versatile artist and it showed in this exhibit.

As we walked on, we found a room filled with suitcases hanging from the ceiling, a wall of windows, and more string art, but this time with black string. 

I enjoy taking my son to the art museum.  However, this exhibit was a bit much for him.  We both didn't really care for the shocking, dark artwork.  We both had likes and dislikes of the exhibition.  The suitcases were a big hit, but the photography left us upset, and the string art was thought provoking.  I have not be able to promote or discourage people from attending this showcase.  It is really polarizing.