Free Air Metalskulptur by Huang Yu Jung is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award i Sølv in Billedkunst og Kunstinstallationsdesign Competition Category.

SølvBilledkunst· 2025

Free Air Metalskulptur

by Huang Yu Jung

Client: Fresh Design Studio

A' Design Award i Sølv Winner in Billedkunst Category

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Colors

The Design

About Free Air Metalskulptur

Free Air er en metalskulptur installeret i et offentligt rum i Ube City, Japan. Værket har form som en flaske, der delvist er begravet i jorden, en reference til opdagelse og til stedets industrielle historie. Den øverste del er fremstillet af 316 rustfrit stål med spejlfinish, formet ved digital pladeformning. Den nederste del er støbt i antik bronze. Afrundede bobleformer og få forbindelsespunkter giver det tunge metal et let udtryk. Skulpturen er 300 centimeter høj og inviterer besøgende til at komme tæt på og røre ved den.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award i Sølv

Free Air Metalskulptur er vinder af A' Design Award i Sølv, en usædvanligt prestigefyldt anerkendelse, der tildeles designs i topklasse, som er pragtfulde og imponerende. Sølvvinderne er enormt geniale og overordentlig kreative værker, der illustrerer deres designeres fremragende ekspertise, talent og skarpsindighed. Free Air Metalskulptur forventes at være et vidunderligt udstillingsværk, der er bemærkelsesværdigt professionelt og dybt innovativt. Dette design, der har vundet A' Design Award i Sølv, er en højst bemærkelsesværdig, beundret opfindelse, som gavner og flytter grænserne for kunst, videnskab, design og teknologi. Free Air Metalskulptur er en skabelse, som mange misunder, og som vækker begær, bringer positive følelser og antænder forundring og undren.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Through a single piece of art,an urban space is liberated from the burdens of its past as an industrial city.This is an artwork that makes the presence of wind and air visible,allowing the free-flowing breeze to sweep across Japan.Rooted in Ube City’s historical foundation as an industrial hub,the piece invites observation of how artistic intervention revitalizes spaces,fostering a transformation towards green,nature-integrated urban living.At the same time,with Japan and Taiwan collaborating in the advancement of semiconductor technology,this fusion of innovation envisions a future of freedom and new possibilities for everyday life.
Dimensions & Packaging: 300(H)x193(W)x179(D)CM
Tags: Made in Taiwan, Artwork, Art Therapy, Sculpture, Freedom, Air, Metal Sculpture
Production Technology: The artwork is crafted using 316 stainless steel and bronze.The stainless steel component is produced through digital sheet metal forming technology,a highly competitive method that eliminates the need for custom forming tools,molds,dies,or presses.This approach allows for precise fabrication,enabling the creation of truly unique works of art. As for the bronze casting process, casting has been an enduring metallurgical technique for thousands of years.By incorporating both contemporary digital fabrication methods and time-honored bronze casting techniques,this artwork embodies the fusion of cutting-edge technology with centuries-old craftsmanship-a beautiful legacy of innovation and tradition.
Design Challenge: The artist aims to finalize the organic form with full, rounded bubbles, ensuring that the bubbles appear natural from every angle to emphasize freedom. To create maximum tension and contrast, the connection points must be minimized while still maintaining structural strength. Additionally, the form must align with the material’s characteristics to counteract the top-heavy visual effect, preventing the intended sense of lightness and freedom from turning into an overwhelming sense of oppression instead.
Research: The artist seeks to connect art and healing, believing that beauty brings joy, which fosters health and happiness. A free mind is key to well-being. He aims to create a small yet impactful artwork that transforms its surroundings into a tranquil, uplifting space, offering viewers freedom and happiness. Through art, the most natural form of healing can occur.
A static sculpture must appear dynamic. The invisible air should become visible, and heavy metal materials should radiate lightness and freedom.
Medical research confirms emotions influence health. Maintaining a positive mindset is the artist’s focus. Installed in Ube City, Japan, the piece evokes joy, encouraging viewers to pause, play, and feel free. It inspires a state of mental clarity—"net zero," a carefree, healthy mindset.
The artist believes this artwork’s therapeutic effect is its greatest real-life impact.
Inspiration: In archaeological activities,it is common to find partially unearthed old bottle bodies,symbolizing the essence of "discovery and exploration".In this creation,a bottle is depicted as being partially buried in the ground,subtly conveying messages about the past life of this land.It serves as a reminder that this former industrial city, through the intervention of artistic transformation,can be revitalized and become lighter, shedding its former heaviness.
For the upper part of the artwork, medical-grade 316 stainless steel is chosen for its highly reflective mirror surface,enhancing the clarity of environmental reflections while evoking a sense of eternity and technological sophistication.Meanwhile,the lower portion,which is embedded underground,is crafted from antique bronze to interpret the historical depth of the land.This contrast allows the materials themselves to tell a compelling story.
Project Duration: Sculpture creation began in Taiwan in January 2024 and was completed and installed in Japan in September. Starting in October,it was publicly exhibited at the Ube Biennale (Modern Japanese Sculpture Exhibition).The exhibition is scheduled to conclude in December 2025.
Operation Flow: Everyone is welcome to touch the artwork,approach it,and interact with it.Try to let your body feel the lightness and freedom-like air-transforming that sensation into a state of spiritual liberation.If,after experiencing the artwork,you feel a sense of relaxation and healing,that brings me the greatest joy,for it means reaching a realm where art and therapy merge into one.
Image Credits: Photographer (Kao,Ming-Chieh)