LAS VEGAS, Sept. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Tatsuo
Miyajima, one of Japan's most
influential artists over the past two decades, debuted his work
"HOTO" (2008) in the United States
for the first time this week for an indefinite engagement at The
Shops at Crystals in Las Vegas.
The piece previously has been on display only in Japan and China.
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Inspired by Buddhist scripture, HOTO – meaning "treasure pagoda"
– refers to a story about a monumental bejeweled tower that emerges
from the ground, floats midair and covers half the world,
symbolizing the importance of every human life. According to
Buddhist teachings, life cannot be described without such an
impossible story because life is nothing but a miracle.
It was this scripture and the devastating events of September 11, 2001 that inspired Miyajima to
create HOTO, which represents his belief that every life is
important as well as his hope for inter-connectedness across the
globe creating peace and community.
To share his message, Miyajima – recognized for work that merges
a philosophical appreciation of life with the latest technologies –
created a remarkable mirrored pagoda measuring 18 feet high and
more than six feet around, inlaid with 3,827 vibrantly colored LED
numerical displays in varying sizes. The LED displays flash the
numbers nine through one in a descending, continuous series and at
varying speeds, representing the never-ending cycle of life, the
universal language of numbers and how every life moves at its own
unique pace.
Focusing on interaction rather than exhibition, the circular
tower features angled surfaces that play with the viewer's
reflection, allowing them to visually locate themselves in the art.
This is indicative of Miyajima's work in recent years, by which he
summarizes his belief that art is the expression of creativity
within each of us. "I'm trying to show that every human being is
unique," Miyajima explained.
Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of
MGM Resorts International, said, "Las
Vegas visitors are more worldly in their travel habits than
ever before and seek provocative, unique experiences. One of the
ways we've responded to this is by introducing thought-provoking
art that stimulates interest and energy. Along with renowned
masters from generations past, our vision is to present
contemporary and forward-thinking works that fascinate people of
all ages, regardless of whether they are art aficionados or casual
passersby."
HOTO is part of MGM Resorts' larger commitment to exposing
Las Vegas' global audience to
Japanese culture. The Company recently presented the Kabuki
Spectacle on the Fountains of Bellagio starring renowned Japanese
actors Ichikawa Somegoro and Nakamura Yonekichi, an art
installation at Bellagio by renowned sculptor Masatoshi Izumi and the first-ever
Japanese-inspired display at Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical
Gardens.
"The expansion of Japanese art and tradition on the Las Vegas
Strip is a focus for MGM Resorts, and we continuously search for
new and innovative ways to celebrate it," Murren added.
The piece integrates three Buddhism-inspired concepts that
dominate Miyajima's life and work: the idea that everything
changes, everything is connected, and everything goes on
forever:
- Modern Technology – Technology is constantly changing
and evolving, and Miyajima's utilization of the LED panels and
electrical circuits embodies this concept.
- Numbers – As a universal language, numbers represent the
commonality and connection between all humans.
- Programming – The piece is programmed to shift
through numbers nine through one, skipping zero and instead going
dark and starting over at nine to represent that life goes on
forever even after death. In Miyajima's world, life, death and
digits are one and the cycle is never-ending.
Miyajima's installation is the newest addition to MGM Resorts
International's Fine Art Collection and joins a significant display
of commissioned and acquired fine art at The Shops at Crystals and
within the connected ARIA Resort & Casino, including
James Turrell's "Shards of
Color" (2014); Henry Moore's
"Reclining Connected Forms" (1969-1974); Masatoshi Izumi's "CACTUS Life – living with
Earth" (2007-2008); Maya
Lin's "Silver River" (2009); Jenny Holzer's "VEGAS" (2009);
Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen's "Typewriter Eraser,
Scale X" (1998-1999); Nancy
Rubins' "Big Edge" (2009); and Frank Stella's "Damascus Gate Variation I"
(1969), among many others.
HOTO Details
HOTO, 2008
Mixed Media
3,827 LEDs (6 colors, various sizes), electric wire, stainless
steel, iron frame
216 1/8" H x 81 13/16" W
About Tatsuo Miyajima
Tatsuo Miyajima was born in 1957
in Tokyo, Japan and continues to
live and work there. In addition to participating in numerous
international biennales, including the Venice Biennale (1988,
1999), Miyajima has presented numerous solo exhibitions around the
world. His works are placed in the permanent collections of Museum
of Modern Art, New York; San
Francisco Museum of Modern Art, California; Museum of Contemporary Art
Chicago, Illinois; Dallas Museum
of Art, Texas; Denver Art Museum,
Colorado, among others.
About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's
leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of
destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay
Bay and The Mirage. The Company is in the process of developing MGM
National Harbor in Maryland and
MGM Springfield in Massachusetts. The Company also owns 51
percent of MGM China Holdings Limited, which owns the MGM Macau
resort and casino and is developing a gaming resort in Cotai, and
50 percent of CityCenter in Las
Vegas, which features ARIA Resort & Casino. For more
information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's
website at mgmresorts.com.
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SOURCE MGM Resorts International