transformation 2024
Plato identified four fundamental elements of the universe: fire, air, water, and earth, each corresponding to a specific regular polyhedron: the tetrahedron for fire, the octahedron for air, the icosahedron for water, and the cube for earth. Additionally, he introduced the dodecahedron as a symbol of the cosmos itself, representing the harmony and structure of the universe through these five regular polyhedra.
A sculpture that vertically stacks these five polyhedra can be seen as a totem pole, with each polyhedron symbolizing one of the elements and their arrangement representing the continuity of change and transformation.The "transformation through heat" in the sculpture refers not only to a physical process but also carries philosophical implications.The themes of "change in conditions" and "transformation of the world" suggested by this work reflect the idea that the material world is imperfect and in a state of continuous flux.
astronomical observation 2016
This work begins with an encounter with an astronomer at an observatory, centering on his deep connection to a 1970s German-made telescope. Even after his retirement, the astronomer continues to visit the observatory regularly to maintain the telescope, symbolizing the close bond between his life and the instrument.
Joseph Beuys believed that human energy could shape and transform society like a sculpture. In this work, the astronomer and other living beings are depicted as radiating energy and heat, each forming their own unique world. These worlds exist in parallel, yet overlap and coexist. The work invites reflection on how individual beings influence one another and coexist within the larger universe.
Note: The text above was written by the Artist. No modification was made by COCA.
Takuma Uematsu
Japan
selected Solo Exhibitions 2016 “nowhere, Yumiko Chiba Associates viewing room shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, 2016“What people do for astronomical observation?, Chiba City Museum of Art, Chiba, Japan,2010“IMPULSE 22 with Fabian Chiquet”, IMPULSE GALERIE Christian Löhrl, Mönchengladbach, Germany,2008“The forest of coral”, hpgrp GALLERY TOKYO, Tokyo, Japan,2006“a room of life – αM project”, ASK?, Tokyo, Japan,2006“Life is a crystal” Kunstler-verein, Malkasten, Düsseldorf, Germany
Selected Group Exhibitions 2023 "TIERISCH" Galerie Löhrl, Mönchengladbach, Germany,2020-2021 "Jing’an International Sculpture Project 2020" Jing’an sculpture park,Shanghai,china, 2019"Rokko Meets Art 2019"rokko mountain,Kobe,Japan,2019 "Exploring the Stars" Takuma Uematsu & Mieko Shiomi, Yumiko chiba associates,Tokyo,Japan,2014 “JAPON”, Abbaye St André Centre, d’art contemporain de Meymac, France,2013 “Spektrum”, IMPULSE GALERIE Christian Löhrl, Mönchengladbach, Germany