Discovering Columbus - Tatsu Nishi's temporary installation

The Japanese, Surrealist artist, known for his temporary art installations has built a structure surrounding the pedestal and statue of Christopher Columbus which most of us have walked by numerous times, perhaps without really looking at it.  This is Nishi's 1st U.S. project.  His goal is to provide closer focus on public urban icons.  The 13' statue of Christoper Columbus, by Italian sculptor Gaetano Russo sits atop a tall granite column, (in Columbus Circle) which renders it inaccessible  for close scrunity by the public.  Nishi has constructed a 6 story structure with NYC's omniprescent scaffolding in a modern & attractive manner, culminating in a penthouse that encases the Columbus statue.  Walking outside the structure you can see the stature through a side window, like a voyeur.  You can also climb the six flights (elevator access is available) to be inside the penthouse furnished as a modern day living room with the statue atop a coffee table.  Free, timed tickets are available by going to publicartfund.org through Nov. 18th.  Nishi does what art has the power to do, arrest our interest to consider what we are surrounded by in our daily lives. It also juxtaposes art with contemporary life.  This is why Nishi's installations are transient, because life is constantly changing.  Have fun with this up close view of our  iconic landmark before the installation comes down next month.