Taku Anekawa: Hauling Up The Invisible Threads

23 Aug 2006 Category: Arts & Crafts, Events & Exhibitions, Features, Japan, Worldwide

Taku Anekawa: Hauling Up The Invisible Threads

"four-dimensional picture scroll " © taku anekawa/phil co.,ltd.

When watching the Japanese art scene, one could say that “free expression” currently spreads like a virus… However, rather than bluntly criticizing, I would like to draw the attention to the very fact that most of these expressions, art and thoughts truly carry their creator’s own unique philosophy. When this philosophy then meets an audience in the form of art works, this “connecting” means “sharing”. Taku Anekawa’s works are now spreading from Japan to the world - like hauling a far streching fish net with his invisible “threads.”

Written by ichi
Translated by Mie Hashizume

“four-dimensional picture scroll ” © taku anekawa/phil co.,ltd.

Taku Anakewa is famous for the “threads” works he has been presenting in the past few years. In his solo exhibition “ASSORTMENT OF LIE” presented in 2004 and “CORE COMPETENCE” last year (in 2005), Anekawa showed the mixture of a wide variety of images in a number of “expressions using threads.”

Those works also unveiled some of Taku Anekawa’s character, which - up to that point - had been very unclear…


From “closet series II” © taku anekawa/phil co.,ltd.

From “closet series II” © taku anekawa/phil co.,ltd.

“very late portrait ” Embroidering on textile printed by silkscreen is the unique style of Taku Anekawa. © taku anekawa/phil co.,ltd.

“very late portrait ” © taku anekawa/phil co.,ltd.

Some people mistake Taku for an embroidery artist, but in fact he simply chose to use threads as a tool for his expression. His works - a combination of silkscreen and embroidery techniques - contain a sense of collage as well as adding a 3D quality to the art works. Trying to create a threshold for communication with his audience, his 2D/3D forms reveal some of his identity acquired by his multiple careers as an interior designer, space designer, fashion, digital content, visual artist and others.

Taku Anekawa seems to store various digitalized information in his head, then renders, selects and outputs them in an analog form.


“untitled” from “Hidden Curriculum” exhibition in Sapporo by Taku Anekawa © taku anekawa/phil co.,ltd.

“untitled” from “Hidden Curriculum” exhibition in Sapporo by Taku Anekawa © taku anekawa/phil co.,ltd.

At his solo-exhibition in New York he displayed his latest works created this year. At the opening, an expressive movie of images and threads was shown.

Taku also held an exhibition in Tokyo a short while ago.

Embroidery on canvas, which was well-received in Tokyo exhibition. © taku anekawa/phil co.,ltd.

Here is what the artist said shortly before his exhibition opening in NY:

Taku Anemakawa：“Some people like to see artwork which reveals some personal or domestic expression. About 20 years ago maybe, the Japanese art scene slowly, slowly moved towards more domestic-conscious themes. Manga and Japanese TV - those are some of the few truly Japanese and non-westernized cultures which influenced people like me from childhood on. I like these very unique ways of cultural pop development and want to continue this tradition, want to be a part of it, want to fill this striving gap in contemporary art with an expression of this domestic culture.”


From “closet series II” © taku anekawa/phil co.,ltd.

From “closet series II” © taku anekawa/phil co.,ltd.

“In my exhibitions in NY is where I like to express this Japanese “twist”. “Twist”, because it is still very difficult to do something “Japanese” in Japan, although some traditional roots are cherished. Expressing “Japanese-ness”, is considered to be “too Japanese” easily.

My art works are embroidery, which takes a form of its own, however, there is a mixture of art and pop culture woven into them. It may not be very intriguing in Japan, at the very place of the Japanese art scene, but in NY, I experienced people’s understanding at first sight. I noticed more natural reactions to my works, due to a lack of pre-conceptions maybe. I hope that the people in NY can continue to see, that this corner in the Japanese art scene exists and changes in a unique, attractive way.”


openning party of “Hidden Curriculum” exhibition in NY

openning party of “Hidden Curriculum” exhibition in NY

Art pieces based on a Japanese background are slowly parting from the Western context. Taku Anekawa will continue to haul the cultural differences caught in his threads and weave them into his new works.

I am happy to know that so many people visited the opening party in NY. Please drop by the next exhibition, if you have a chance.


“Artery dress” from “Hidden Curriculum” exhibition by Taku Anekawa © taku anekawa/phil co.,ltd.

Taku Anekawa
“Hidden Curriculum” exhibition
@ZAKKA gallery NYC

Fri 11th Aug - Mon 4th Sep 2006
（close on Tuesday）
Open hours: Mon to Fri 12-7pm
Sat & Sun 12-7pm

Address: 147 Grand st. New York
Tel: 212-431-3961
Info: phil co.,ltd.

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