Ryokichi Mukai & Kakuzo Tatehata - Abstract Sculpture Lesson

Tokiwa Kosui Hall

Finished

Artists

Ryokichi Mukai, Kakuzo Tatehata

Kakuzo Tatehata (1919-2006) and Ryokichi Mukai (1918-2010) were two sculptors who led the major development of abstract sculpture in Japan in the late 20th century. Both participated in the "First Ube City Open-Air Sculpture Exhibition" (1961), which led to the nationwide spread of open-air sculpture.

However, although they share the same field of abstract sculpture, their styles are very different. Tatehata focuses on geometric forms with well-defined edges, while Mukai creates forms with intricately intertwining lines. Tatehata controls materials with an analytical approach to modeling, while Mukai draws out the power of materials while allowing for coincidence. Even the titles of their works contrast with each other, with Tatehata's work being more direct and Mukai's more poetic.

This exhibition introduces the viewpoints and ideas of these two artists through a comparison of their contrasting works, which are mainly from the 1980s onward. These two trends apply not only to the works of the two artists but also to many abstract sculptures in Japan. Therefore, the exhibition will also serve as a hint for those who wish to view the abstract sculptures that make up much of Japan's outdoor sculpture, including those in Ube City.

Tatehata and Mukai were classmates at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts and allies who worked together for many years to develop the sculpture club of the Action Art Association. Surprisingly, however, there was no opportunity for such a two-person exhibition to be held during their lifetimes. This exhibition is a chance to provide visitors with an opportunity to reflect on the history of Japanese sculpture in the latter half of the 20th century, focusing on the accomplishments of these two artists.

Schedule

Jan 28 (Sat) 2023-Mar 5 (Sun) 2023