ARIK LEVY
Arik Levy'S
LEADING CULTURE DESTINATIONS (TBA):
ARIK LEVY is a multi-disciplinary polymath whose work spans photography, video art and cutting-edge design. His work can be seen in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, and he is best known in the public realm for his sculptures, in particular for his signature Rock pieces and interactive installations. According to levy, "Creation is an uncontrolled muscle", and His formation as an artist in his birthplace of israel was certainly unconventional. surfing, as well as his art and graphic design studio, took up much of his time. Following studies at the Art Center Europe in Switzerland he gained a distinction in Industrial Design in 1991. Then, After a stint in Japan where he consolidated his ideas, Levy returned to Europe where he contributed his artistry to another field – contemporary dance and opera, by way of set design. The creation of his studio meant a foray back to his first love, art and industrial design. here, the LCD 2018 Select Jury Member tells us why art is the catalyst for free-thought and how museums provide perspective in a fractured era.
If there was one piece of art you could feature in, which one would it be and why?
I can’t choose one piece of art out of all those that are truly inspiring. The one piece of art would be ART itself – from the first cave drawings that were not only descriptive, but contained the initiative of the creator to express and communicate. Art has been the brain opener to freedom.
How do you believe museums will impact future cities?
The importance of the museum is huge in tomorrow's world. In the era where the rule-maker is an internet page that someone has written, the institute becomes a relevant point of gravity – the ability to see the past and future reality of humanity in one go puts us all in perspective, and gives us hope. A city without culture is a society without encore.
What is your favourite cultural destination?
My favourite place is always the place I have not visited yet – each of these trips open another page for me, containing inspiration and metaphors to jump from. in Every place I travel to, and have some time in, I map the cities, museums and galleries and try to trace as much as I can. A place I do like to return to is the Rodin Museum in Paris.
Who do you think are the cultural innovators of tomorrow?
I think the cultural innovators of tomorrow are the children that are now six years old. They will shape the future – therefore all efforts need to be made into their school program and experiences, as well as in providing them the get-away to visit museums at no cost.
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO AT THE MOMENT AND WHERE CAN WE FIND IT?
Among the numerous commissions and artworks in process, the most important one for me, at this point, is the official outdoor sculpture for the Hermitage Contemporary Museum that is to be built in Moscow. It is an extraordinary monumental sculpture that definitely matches with the importance of art in the city. It's within the urban space, so the public can interact with and experience it – the installation is planned in October, 2019.