Free Air: Art Meets Healing in Urban Spaces

Sculpture by Huang Yu Jung transforms Ube City’s industrial legacy

Inspired by archaeological discoveries of partially unearthed bottles, “Free Air” captures the spirit of exploration and transformation. The sculpture’s design features a bottle form, half-buried in the ground, symbolizing the layered histories of Ube City, Japan—a former industrial hub. The upper section, crafted from highly reflective 316 stainless steel, mirrors its surroundings and evokes a sense of technological advancement and timelessness. In contrast, the lower portion, made from antique bronze, is embedded underground, representing the city’s deep-rooted past. This interplay of materials tells a compelling story of rebirth and the potential for urban spaces to shed their former burdens.

What distinguishes “Free Air” is its ability to make the intangible—wind and air—tangible. The sculpture invites interaction, encouraging visitors to touch, approach, and experience a sense of lightness and freedom. This participatory element transforms the piece into more than a visual landmark; it becomes a therapeutic tool, merging art and wellness. The installation reflects the collaborative spirit between Japan and Taiwan in advancing semiconductor technology, envisioning a future where innovation and nature coexist harmoniously in daily life.

The realization of “Free Air” combines advanced digital sheet metal forming for the stainless steel with traditional bronze casting, a technique refined over millennia. This fusion of cutting-edge and time-honored methods exemplifies the artwork’s theme: the union of innovation and heritage. The sculpture measures 300 by 193 by 179 centimeters, making it a prominent feature in its environment while maintaining an inviting, approachable presence.

Research underpinning the project emphasizes the connection between beauty, joy, and health. Medical studies confirm that positive emotions can enhance well-being, and “Free Air” is designed to evoke such responses. The artist’s vision was to create a static form that appears dynamic, making invisible air visible and heavy metal appear weightless. The result is a tranquil, uplifting space that encourages visitors to pause, reflect, and experience a sense of spiritual liberation.

Technical challenges included achieving an organic, bubble-like form that appears natural from every angle while maintaining structural integrity. The artist minimized connection points to enhance the sense of freedom, carefully balancing the visual weight of the materials to avoid any sense of oppression. This meticulous attention to detail ensures the sculpture delivers both visual impact and emotional resonance.

“Free Air” stands as a testament to the transformative power of art in public spaces. Awarded Silver in the 2025 A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award, the sculpture exemplifies excellence in both artistic vision and technical execution. By making the invisible visible and fostering a sense of healing, it redefines the role of art in urban life, offering a model for future city revitalization projects worldwide.