Araki Tamana
09 Aug - 03 Nov 2008
Manantial/Spring 2008
Installation view: MAM Project 008: Araki Tamana, Mori Art Museum
Beeswax, bamboo, brass
Photo: Watanabe Osamu
Installation view: MAM Project 008: Araki Tamana, Mori Art Museum
Beeswax, bamboo, brass
Photo: Watanabe Osamu
ARAKI TAMANA
August 9 - November 3, 2008
Araki Tamana (born 1970) uses a number of techniques, including printmaking, sculpture, installation, and animation to create her unique art, which never fails to give the impression of being novel, despite its inherent simplicity. With solid technical skills and an ability to create exquisite combinations of shapes and colors, Araki explores themes related to everyday activities, such as habitat, travel, relationships, and growth. These themes serve to link her works with viewers, inspiring them to form their own interpretations.
Araki's installations often consist of multiple parts. However, rather than those parts coming together to form a whole, their combination seems to emphasize their individual identities. Myriad phenomena are caught inside these groupings, which at first glance appear similar; but each is different, almost like individuals, each burning with the flame of life. The sight of them at times isolated and at times side by side - like people progressing along their own paths - reminds one of what it means "to live."
Araki has spent time in Mexico on a number of occasions, and the influence of that culture can be seen in her choices of colors and forms. While sometimes appearing gaudy, her shapes and colors are expressed with a primal energy and toughness that makes them far more complex than their assertive appearance suggests.
For this exhibition Araki applies her unique sense of materials, originality of concept and superb technique to new installations made especially for Mori Art Museum’s exhibition space. No doubt they will bring with them opportunities for more new insights into her richly imaginative world.
August 9 - November 3, 2008
Araki Tamana (born 1970) uses a number of techniques, including printmaking, sculpture, installation, and animation to create her unique art, which never fails to give the impression of being novel, despite its inherent simplicity. With solid technical skills and an ability to create exquisite combinations of shapes and colors, Araki explores themes related to everyday activities, such as habitat, travel, relationships, and growth. These themes serve to link her works with viewers, inspiring them to form their own interpretations.
Araki's installations often consist of multiple parts. However, rather than those parts coming together to form a whole, their combination seems to emphasize their individual identities. Myriad phenomena are caught inside these groupings, which at first glance appear similar; but each is different, almost like individuals, each burning with the flame of life. The sight of them at times isolated and at times side by side - like people progressing along their own paths - reminds one of what it means "to live."
Araki has spent time in Mexico on a number of occasions, and the influence of that culture can be seen in her choices of colors and forms. While sometimes appearing gaudy, her shapes and colors are expressed with a primal energy and toughness that makes them far more complex than their assertive appearance suggests.
For this exhibition Araki applies her unique sense of materials, originality of concept and superb technique to new installations made especially for Mori Art Museum’s exhibition space. No doubt they will bring with them opportunities for more new insights into her richly imaginative world.