Takamatsu Contemporary Art Annual vol.12

This year’s edition of the Takamatsu Contemporary Art Annual showcasing highly original, outstanding art practitioners presents work by six artists (four individuals plus one unit), on the theme of “the contour of me.”

The contour that traces me may separate me from the other/others, but where is that contour, and what form does it take? Expressing oneself in terms of roles or titles is comparatively easy, and may give the feel of bold contour lines. Yet these lines often change, or even reverse, according to the environment. Even turning our gaze to the body, we note the ambiguity of its outline: how far do I actually extend?

The works of YOKOYAMA Shohei (born 1985, Okayama), who produces dynamic pieces by blowing into or using generous bodily movements to work molten glass, reflect his personal thoughts and physicality, and appear to have a life of their own. The lines formed by KUNIHISA Mayu (born 1983, Osaka) in ever-evolving paintings of overlapping arcs, track the painter in motion. The blank spaces that frequently appear in the center of her paintings indicate the physical limit of her reach, and at the same time seem like inviolable domains. By including a playful element in her works, YANO Eriko (born 1987, Kagawa), who creates art out of feelings that arise in everyday life, gives humorous visual expression to a variety of emotions. SHINTAKU Kanako (born 1994, Oita), who says that dripping paint on her body confirms her sensation of “being here now,” may well be acknowledging the existence of herself sensing the paint as it morphs on her skin from moment to moment. The acts undertaken by YAMASHITA Mai + KOBAYASHI Naoto (born 1976 and 1974, Chiba), who engage with the other/others, primarily nature and animals, at first glance appear meaningless, but witnessing their ongoing repetition, we sense a subtle shift in our relationship with the world.

Contours grasped for a moment may be fleeting, but perhaps all the more beautiful and powerful for that.