SCROLL
Behind the Scenes of Art Creation
Creating
Together
Special encounters often bring new ideas and inspirations. During the two years since Mari Katayama first partnered with Nabtesco, she has visited and engaged in conversations with ALLUX 2 designers, manufacturers, and prosthetists. These encounters have sparked her enthusiasm for collaboration with Nabtesco, leading to the creation of two remarkable works of art.
New Collaboration:
Stepping Out
in Bright Red Heels
Nabtesco provided the ALLUX 2, and then the stunning red Mari K high heels were brought to life with the collaboration of Katayama’s shoe design partner, the Italian shoe brand Sergio Rossi. Just as the endlessly dancing feet and red shoes in the fairy tale The Red Shoes symbolize an unstoppable force, Katayama’s red high heels embody her determination and willpower. Katayama brought the appeal of these Mari K heels to her collaboration with Nabtesco.
“Integrating art and an industrial product like the automatic door, the opening and closing of which creates overlapping layers, was extremely challenging, but at the same time, it was the key aspect I obsessed over until the end.” After numerous adjustments to achieve the perfect degree of transparency, she has created a piece that transforms with every slight variation in light and angle, like a kaleidoscope. The unique work, with its vibrant expressions that change with the door’s movement and the shifting sunlight, was finally completed.
The rosemary, the ALLUX 2, and the Mari K, symbolizing Katayama’s determination and willpower to pursue her dreams, all come together in my legs #2024. Katayama says, “If there is something you believe in and want to pursue, don’t mind the noise around you. All you need is to acknowledge yourself.” Capturing this conviction, my legs #2024 inspires employees and empowers the Nabtesco office, symbolizing opening the door to new challenges.
Photos by Hayato Wakabayashi
Despite her apprehension about relying on others in her art-making process, Katayama was inspired by the teamwork she observed in the ALLUX 2 development team. “Everyone at Nabtesco has their own expertise, and they create the best possible products by trusting their colleagues and entrusting them with what they know best. Learning about how they work together made me want to take on the challenge of creating art as a team.” The late-night shoot went so smoothly no one could have ever guessed she had been a bit anxious about it. Best of all, the final video piece exceeded her expectations.
Inquiries about my legs #2024
ContactSTORIES
