A collection of collections

Here is a collection of some beautiful installation pieces that I found online:

Bloom by Sam Spenser

Doris Salcedo's Chair Art in Istanbul.
This piece uses thousands of wooden chairs to fill the space between two buildings.

The thing that these pieces have in common and I think the thing that drew me to them initially, is that they are each made up of many of the same item. They are in a way collections in themselves. None of these items, a chair, an umbrella, a Christmas ornament, would be anything spectacular on its own. It is when they are displayed in hundreds or thousands that they become special and beautiful.

Thousands of strands of Chinese Christmas balls come together to form this colorful installation in La Havre, France.
Cormier says that this piece was inspired by the impressionist movement.

Grand Pergola by Claude Cormier Architectes Paysagistes Inc.

I am also intrigued by the fact that these pieces are in outdoor, public spaces. I am always curious when I see outdoor installation pieces what the process is of getting permission to put it there. I like to imagine that Doris Salcedo simply filled up this space between two buildings without asking anyone. I’m sure there are permits, etc. for pieces like this but the idea of someone just doing this is funny to me. Imagine walking out your door one day and seeing the alley completely full of chairs!

This piece is made up of thousands of clay sculptures of people.

Asian Field by Antony Gromley.

I am also intrigued by the sheer amount of time that it must take to compile a piece like this. Particularly one like Asian Field which is made of thousands of hand made clay sculptures.