getaway in 'gateway', an artwork that doubles as a swimming pool you can take a dip in

this summer, artist joana vasconcelos is making a splash at jupiter artland, a contemporary sculpture garden located just outside edinburgh, scotland. the nine-meter, fully functioning swimming pool features a intricate arrangement of 11,366 hand-painted and glazed tiles that incorporates patterns from her own astrological chart. from now through august 22, 2019, guests are invited to bathe in ‘gateway’ and enjoy jupiter artland’s latest permanent commission from a new perspective.

‘gateway is a big splash that invites the public to immerse in a joyful and spirited dimension, leading to a connection with the energy of the earth,’ vasconcelos said. ‘it’s like a threshold to another universe that we’re not conscious of but through which we can flow.’

all images by allan pollok-morris, courtesy of jupiter artland

‘gateway’ is integrated in a whimsical pool garden at jupiter artland, and is surrounded by a yew hedge that frames the composition of colorfully patterned tiles. each of the one-of-a-kind tiles, developed by celebrated portuguese tile producer viúva lamego and atelier joana vasconcelos, has been crafted using traditional methods at a 100-year-old factory, and has no duplicates throughout the entire artwork. the result of a three-year collaboration between jupiter artland and the artist, ‘gateway’ is collectively formed — like much of vasconcelos’ multifaceted work. see more by the artist on designboom here.

project info: 

artist: joana vasconcelos

location: jupiter artland — edinburgh, scotland

on view through*: september 29, 2019
*gateway will be closed for bathing sessions from 10am to 2pm on weekdays between july 29 – august 22, 2019