Floating Bridge (temporary) Spans the Canal

People had been looking forward to the production of a work with the function of a bridge for a long time, however, a range of factors made the production of a permanent bridge difficult, so a temporary bridge was created instead. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, production had been managed remotely for two years, but on this occasion, the artist was able to visit Japan. Thanks to this work, people were able to walk across the Teizan Canal in the Shinhama area for the first time in 11 years and 5 months. The work was unveiled at the event Teizan Canal Ferry Boat and Shinhama Footpath, organized by the Shinhama Neighborhood Association.

After discussions with Shinhama residents, Kawamata decided to change the plan he’d had in mind on the day before production began.

The new version of the work comprises five units fastened together, each unit consisting of two rubber boats supporting a structure of pipes and scaffolding on top. It is designed so that it can be dismantled and re-installed as required.

About 100 people attended the event on the day of the unveiling.

People living locally appeared deeply moved by the construction of this first bridge 11 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, thus forming a connection between the Shinhama area and the sea.

Floating Bridge (temporary) will be reproduced on a case-by-case basis as the team explores possibilities for a permanent work.