Tomason facts for kids
A Tomason (also spelled Thomason or Thomasson) is a special kind of art. It's like finding art in unexpected places. This idea was created by a Japanese artist named Genpei Akasegawa. He used the word to describe parts of buildings or roads that have become useless. These parts might have lost their purpose because the area around them changed. Tomason isn't art that someone made on purpose. Instead, it becomes art when people notice it and think about its strange, useless nature.
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What is a Tomason?
A Tomason is a part of a building or a road that no longer serves its original purpose. It's often something left behind after changes to the area. Imagine a staircase that leads to nowhere, or a door that opens into a brick wall. These are examples of Tomason. They are not broken or damaged; they just don't make sense anymore. People find them interesting because they are odd and out of place.
Why is it Called Tomason?
The Story Behind the Name
The artist Genpei Akasegawa named this unique art after an American baseball player. This player, Gary Thomasson, joined the Yomiuri Giants team in Japan in 1981. He was famous for signing a very large contract. However, he did not play very well and retired early. Akasegawa thought of Thomasson as someone who was paid a lot but didn't do much. This made the name "Tomason" a good fit for useless parts of buildings.
Different Kinds of Tomason
Tomason can be found in many forms. People have grouped them based on what they look like. Here are some common types:
- Useless Stairways: These are stairs that go up to a wall or stop in mid-air. They don't lead anywhere useful.
- Pointless Doorways: A door that is blocked by a wall or opens into nothing.
- Overhangs: Parts of buildings that stick out without a clear reason.
- Blocked Windows: Windows that have been covered up by new construction.
- Sealed Up Walls: Walls that have been completely closed off.
- A-bomb Type: This refers to things that look like they were damaged or changed by a sudden, strong force.
- High Places (kōsho): Doors or openings high up that lead to open air.
- Outies: Parts that stick out from a surface.
- Poundcakes: These are often strange, blocky shapes that appear on buildings.
- Atago: Odd bumps or objects sticking out of the road for no clear reason.
- Premature Burial: When a new wall or structure partly covers an existing feature.
These types help people identify and talk about the different kinds of Tomason they discover.
Images for kids
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Example of a Useless Doorway
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Example of an A-bomb Type Thomasson
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Example of a Useless Bridge
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See also
In Spanish: Thomasson (arte) para niños
