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Loyola alum creates sculpture in the Lower 9th Ward
Loyola press release - May 16, 2007

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The young sculptor, who now lives in
But Horisaki's artistic vision may never be realized. The house, he learned, is slated for demolition this week.
Horisaki said he needs about six weeks to prepare the complete latex shell. He started it on Sunday May 13, when he mixed 100 gallons of liquid latex with gray latex house paint. Just before dark that same day, he and an intern from Loyola began applying the first coat of the latex mixture. The finished project requires seven layers, each with cheesecloth placed between to give it some heft.
The first coats are the most difficult, painted by hand to ensure the latex coats every corner, every hinge, every architectural detail of the house, he said. Subsequent, less-precise layers will go more quickly because the two will able to use paint rollers. Each coat must fully dry, which may take a day, depending on humidity and the wind. Once the latex is dry, Horisaki will need several days to carefully peel off the ghostly gray latex skin, which will be carefully sliced into 12 foot by 4 foot sections. In total, he'll have 40 sheets of latex, he estimates, which he'll sprinkle liberally with baby powder to prevent sticking as he rolls up the sheets.
Tokyo-born Horisaki said he enrolled in
Horisaki conceived his artistic reaction to
Horisaki said Tuesday he is holding out hope that he can prepare the proper paperwork and navigate the process before the demolition crews begin their work. But he feels a bit powerless in the face of the bureaucracies. "I am just a small artist that no one knows," he said.
To read Horisaki's project blog, go to www.takashihorisaki.com.
Loyola University New Orleans is a Jesuit-Catholic institution with a total student enrollment of 4,724 including 800 law students.