Artist Talk: Tadao Ando

James Rondo introduces Tadao Ando, highlighting his minimalist aesthetic and the 30-year relationship between the Art Institute of Chicago and Ando. Ando's first commission in the Americas, the Ando Gallery (Gallery 109) for Japanese screens, is celebrated for its contemplative design. The lecture also acknowledges Ando's continued impact with his recent project, Wrightwood 659, and thanks Fred Eichner and the Alphawood Foundation for their support. Ando expresses gratitude for the introduction and the turnout, emphasizing his philosophy of living well and contributing to society.

Ando discusses his two wishes: how to live to 100, and how to contribute to society through work. He introduces a green apple as a symbol of youthfulness, a state of mind rather than age. He shares his personal journey into architecture at 20 without formal education and recounts his battles with cancer, including the removal of multiple organs. Despite these challenges, he maintains a rigorous lifestyle of rest, mindful eating, and 10,000 steps daily, which he credits for his increased energy. He humorously notes that clients are still commissioning him, intrigued by an architect working without five organs.

Ando shares his inspirations from architects like Saarinen and Frank Lloyd Wright, aiming to surpass Wright's 92 years. He reflects on his first commission in Osaka, a tiny 450 sq ft house for a couple and their child. The family's unexpected growth (two more children, including twins) led Ando to purchase and expand the house himself, jokingly taking responsibility due to his own twin brother. He also mentions the carpenter who inspired him to pursue architecture at 16.

Ando stresses the importance of books as his 'treasure,' advocating for physical books over phones for gaining genuine knowledge and spirit. He criticizes modern workplaces where employees primarily interact with computers and phones, lacking human connection. He introduces his office dog, Kenzo Tange (named after a respected architect), as a source of humanity in the office, despite initial opposition from his staff.

Ando discusses his renowned design, the Church of the Light, and his ongoing ambition to remove the glass from its iconic cross to allow natural elements to enter, similar to the Pantheon. He recounts designing a 4x4 meter house for a Tokyo University graduate, emphasizing that even small projects have potential. He describes the vertical design of the house, which incorporates views of the ocean and encourages an energetic lifestyle. The house has become a popular, albeit intrusive, tourist attraction.

Ando presents his 30-year ongoing project on Naoshima Island, transforming it from a barren land into an art island, inspired by the Butchart Gardens. He highlights the integration of contemporary art pieces, like Yayoi Kusama's pumpkin, with nature through reforestation efforts across 500 islands. He praises the owner, Mr. Fukutake, for his policy of acquiring valuable art pieces and his experimental approach to installations, including an evolving mural painted by Richard Long.

Ando humorously addresses the difference in vigor between Japanese men and women, urging men to seek more external stimulation like concerts and museums. He connects curiosity to a long, fulfilling life. He describes James Turrell's experiential art piece in Minami-dera, a dark space where light gradually appears after ten minutes, testing the audience's patience and curiosity. He states that those without curiosity are missing out on life.

Ando discusses his design for exhibiting Monet's Water Lilies, emphasizing a natural light-only approach to mimic the conditions under which Monet painted. He recounts being introduced to the Pulitzer family by former director Jim Wood, initially mistaking their genuine Monet paintings for copies due to his inexperience at the time. He designed the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, encouraging visitors to travel to St. Louis to experience masterpieces by artists like Richard Serra and Ellsworth Kelly.

Ando describes his challenging but rewarding collaborations with artists like Richard Serra and Ellsworth Kelly, who made demanding requests during the design and construction of the Pulitzer Foundation. He showcases his work on the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, designed to complement Louis Kahn's Kimball Art Museum, integrating water features for unique reflections. He also highlights his design for the Clark Art Institute's new building, which aims to seamlessly blend nature and architecture.

Ando discusses ongoing or past international projects, including a museum for Francois Pinault that faced a construction halt. He also presents his intervention in an old public building in Osaka, proposing to insert a concrete structure within the existing shell, like a 'bird nesting an egg.' He details a challenging project in Venice for a contemporary art museum, where material delivery required boats. He then presents his current project in Paris, a museum within an old, circular structure, and a rooftop living space in New York.

Ando concludes by discussing his work with Fred Eichner on a new residence in Chicago, which beautifully integrates with water, trees, and existing brick walls. He expresses gratitude to Eichner for preserving the building's original elements. He closes with a powerful message about the importance of children, the future of the planet, and the collective responsibility to preserve it. He reiterates the significance of the green apple and gifts one to Mr. Eichner.