30th Anniversary of the Passing of Taro Tanaka

Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art

Finished

Artists

Taro Tanaka

In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of his passing in 2023, this exhibition presents a special feature on sculptor Taro Tanaka, who was born in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture. After studying decorative sculpture in temple construction, Tanaka pursued sculpture and moved to Tokyo, where he apprenticed under the renowned woodcarver Hira Koshita. Following the dissolution of the Sculpture Department of the Nihon Bijutsuin (Japan Art Institute), he refrained from participating in open exhibitions, dedicating himself to the pursuit of his artistic style.

Tanaka's works showcase a distinctive style. Rooted in a solid foundation of skills honed through rigorous training, he seamlessly navigates between realism and deformation. Each piece distinctly asserts itself as Tanaka's creation. His imaginative power and expressive skills in combining unexpected elements into a single work are remarkable. He demonstrates a skillful touch that brings to life sculptural forms that appear to merge humans and insects or daringly unbalanced compositions. Furthermore, his warm gaze towards his subjects is evident in the gentle and devout strokes of his chisel.

Adhering to his mentor's motto, "Carve with sincerity and heartfelt dedication," Tanaka's body of work continues to captivate viewers to this day. This exhibition introduces Tanaka Taro's world, including a wide range of creative activities, such as dry lacquer and prints, as well as glimpses into his creative process and involvement in cultural heritage restoration efforts.

Schedule

Jan 4 (Thu) 2024-Feb 12 (Mon) 2024