Takeshi Igawa
Born in 1980, Hyogo Prefecture
1999 Enrolled in the Craft Department (Lacquer Art) at Kyoto City University of Arts
2009 Completed a Doctorate in Fine Arts at the Graduate School of Kyoto City University of Arts
Currently an Associate Professor at Saga University, Faculty of Art and Regional Design (Resident of Saga City, Saga Prefecture)
Takeshi Igawa’s specialty lies in his beautifully polished lacquer sculptures. These works conceal palm leaves, taking direction from the natural forms they imitate. Instead of a meticulous plan, they evolve, propelled by passion.
What is lacquer, what is form, and what is gravity? Igawa contemplates these questions deeply, continuously striving for shapes that differ slightly from what came before. Like a samurai who replaces his sword with lacquer, he pursues his art with fervor.
The contrast of Mio Yamato’s red and Takeshi Igawa’s black evokes the themes of love and death. However, this is not unsettling but rather positive, symbolizing the importance of living each day to the fullest.
What is lacquer, what is form, and what is gravity? Igawa contemplates these questions deeply, continuously striving for shapes that differ slightly from what came before. Like a samurai who replaces his sword with lacquer, he pursues his art with fervor.
The contrast of Mio Yamato’s red and Takeshi Igawa’s black evokes the themes of love and death. However, this is not unsettling but rather positive, symbolizing the importance of living each day to the fullest.