Firebuilding (Burn the Formwork), by Oscar Tuazon (1975 Seattle); artwork for Skulptur Projekte Münster 2017

Material: Concrete, wood, fire

In Münster, Tuazon has installed an object made of concrete in an industrial wasteland along a canal—an undefined plot of land which is used by various groups of people. The object serves as a public fireplace. The cylindrically shaped sculpture can be used for barbecuing, warming up, and as a look-out. The work’s focal point is the chimney-like pillar with its two integrated fireplaces—its reduced form is the consequence of its function. A spiral stairway with large steps rises around the hearth, encircling two-thirds of it. In turn, the stairway is bounded by a lateral wall. The vitiated air from the separate fireplaces is conveyed to the chimney through a system of pipes beneath the stairway. The small sections of wooden boarding that were used in the construction can be removed and burned as well.

The crane is not part of the work, but it helps to understand the environment. I’ve always been fascinated by those huge cranes.

This is a typical skulptur projekte work, and hopefully will remain as permanent. As you can see is has already started to evolve.

See more here: https://www.skulptur-projekte.de/#/En/Projects/2017/845/TUAZON