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Actions Displays	Aquarius Remove from selection Add to selection Reproduction Download mediaDownload media Object numberC0526 TitleAquarius CreatorTadashi Sato Descriptionglass mosaic Date2009 SubjectHawaii Island, Seascape, Water Material700-SCULPTURE Dimensions Image: 36' diameter Acquired fromHawaii State Capitol Rotunda Credit lineState Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Art in Public Places Collection Accompanying text"Aquarius," named by artist Tadashi Sato for his own astrological sign, is a 36-foot circular mosaic, composed of overlapping and superimposed images, and inspired by submerged stones viewed through the depth and reflection of blue ocean waters. A symbolic reminder of our unique place as an island State, and perhaps the most famous art mosaic in Hawaii, it sits as centerpiece to the Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda. Made of 6 million tiles imported from Italy, it is best viewed from the balcony of an upper floor. In oceanic shades of blue and green, the design evokes the movement of dappled light and underwater formations. Since its initial installation, "Aquarius" has been restored and redone several times, first in 1988 and most recently in 2009. The artist voiced several requests, most crucially to preserve the frosted, blurred veneer suggesting underwater depth, and the distinction of each line. Sato was involved from the beginning to the end. He designates each step his favorite, as each carries its own message and experience. Exuberant, he once revisited his surprise upon seeing a fish he had painted during a trip to Japan: "From the second floor of the aquarium there it was, I see a fish, exactly what I had painted! Right there swimming! I made up this fish; it turned out to be a real one."

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Object numberC0526

TitleAquarius

CreatorTadashi Sato

Descriptionglass mosaic

Date2009

SubjectHawaii Island, Seascape, Water

Material700-SCULPTURE

Dimensions

Image: 36' diameter

Acquired fromHawaii State Capitol Rotunda

Credit lineState Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Art in Public Places Collection

Accompanying text"Aquarius," named by artist Tadashi Sato for his own astrological sign, is a 36-foot circular mosaic, composed of overlapping and superimposed images, and inspired by submerged stones viewed through the depth and reflection of blue ocean waters. A symbolic reminder of our unique place as an island State, and perhaps the most famous art mosaic in Hawaii, it sits as centerpiece to the Hawaii State Capitol Rotunda. Made of 6 million tiles imported from Italy, it is best viewed from the balcony of an upper floor. In oceanic shades of blue and green, the design evokes the movement of dappled light and underwater formations. Since its initial installation, "Aquarius" has been restored and redone several times, first in 1988 and most recently in 2009. The artist voiced several requests, most crucially to preserve the frosted, blurred veneer suggesting underwater depth, and the distinction of each line. Sato was involved from the beginning to the end. He designates each step his favorite, as each carries its own message and experience. Exuberant, he once revisited his surprise upon seeing a fish he had painted during a trip to Japan: "From the second floor of the aquarium there it was, I see a fish, exactly what I had painted! Right there swimming! I made up this fish; it turned out to be a real one."

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