I was lucky to see Tanabe Chikuunsai IV’s installation in Osaka
Bamboo. Such a common plant. I grew up surrounded by so many things made of bamboos, such as scoops, collators, chopsticks, coasters, baskets, bags, bento boxes, flower vases, benches, brooms, fences… People have been making practically anything necessary for their everyday lives out of bamboo.
It was rather strange, therefore, to learn that many museums in the world collect objects made of bamboo as work of art.
Tanabe Chikuunsai IV’s exhibition was held at the art gallery floor in Osaka Takashimaya, a prestegious department store, and I happened to see it while I was visiting Osaka. The installation in the main gallery space was nothing like what I was familiar with before.
The two main pillars in the center of the gallery were covered with organic shaped object, comprising so many bamboo sticks, each meticulously, thinly split, about 7 feet long.
Utilizing such common materials and traditional techniques, Chikuunsai transformed the entire space. What an artist he is!
I felt so lucky to have encountered his exhibition. And it was free admission!
I would love to see this type of installation and exhibition at the international airports in Japan.