Sculptures
The Age of Oil
The Age of Oil is the TAO, the principle behind the true nature of our world, the human world. A carbon reality of life and death, the cycle and recycle, laid down, extracted, reformed, our nature refined into the power behind human civilisation. In Takayama's sculpture we see the deep dark of oil formed in thick, heavy, black plastic capturing moments of movement : past, present, future. Forms that evoke a fundamental primitive relationship which is instantly recognisable and yet always alien. In these juxtapositions the sculptor's subtle thought slips past our psychological defences leaving questions in our memory
The Age of Oil is a title where the artist reflects on the concept of the TAO, the idea of the spiritual path or way. In this sculpture series she sees a clear way, a path of the human culture based on oil.
There are 3 images in this gallery
Last updated: Wed, 10/27/2010 - 22:12
The Walls of Culture
This series of work presents a visual banquet. At this time these are the largest pieces of Takayama's sculpture and comment on the built environment of western cultural society. With her own distinct view and a strong use of her power to juxtapose, the artist delivers a worm in the apple of our thinking.
There are 4 images in this gallery
Last updated: Thu, 10/28/2010 - 09:32
Building on Sand
This set of sculptures refines the theme of built architecture in juxtaposition to smooth and flowing forms onto a smaller scale than the Walls of Culture series.
These pieces are constructed using plastic moulds filled with coloured sand. Once again they intrigue as all of Takayama's work does.There are 4 images in this gallery
Last updated: Thu, 10/28/2010 - 09:40
The Car and Amonites Work
This sculpture was the central feature of Takayama's 2005 solo exhibition at the Cafe Gallery in London. This gallery is one of London's public art galleries and is situated in Southwark Park where it continually produces exemplary contemporary art exhibitions. In her solo work there Takayama filled the main gallery space, the external space and the internal hall with a selection of her sculptures, drawings and photography.
There are 2 images in this gallery
Last updated: Thu, 10/28/2010 - 09:29
The Take the Pebble Series
The Take the Pebble series of sculptures offer a short insight into our world before the wave sweeps us away. Reflecting on the Buddhist saying, "When walking along the beach and seeing a pebble, take it before the next wave washes it away." This metaphorical observation on life and opportunity provides the platform from which Takayama presents us with very precise statements on life.
There are 8 images in this gallery
Last updated: Thu, 10/28/2010 - 09:19
The Extras
This is a small category of works that didn't fit into one specific theme.
There are 2 images in this gallery
Last updated: Thu, 10/28/2010 - 09:58