CREATIVES

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Visions of the Universe X(kai)

Taketo has been trying to find links to modern day sub-cultures, including the well-known anime and manga sub-cultures. This has been no different for “Visions of the Universe”, as Taketo explains“I mixed the shape of Jomon itself and contemporary Japanese sub­cultural design, to express it in one shape. Connecting the ancient and contemporary creates a post­modern identity and art,” he says. “I take Japanese sub­cultural design and break it down into elements, then reconstruct it in abstract way.”

And the canvas he was working with is truly remarkable. The artifacts in question come from the Jomon period of Japanese history, which starts around 14,500-12,000 BC and ends around 300 BC. That period is famous for the large volume of art it produced, and fortunately large numbers remain. Especially Jomon Doki (period pottery) and Jomon Dogu (clay figures) can be found in Japanese museums, and represent the oldest and most original art form of the country’s long history. With the help of the Yamanashi Archeological Museum, Taketo has been able to work with some of these Doki pots, specifically Suienmon­Doki (water marks) that has been excavated in the Yamanashi prefecture (the cultural center of Japan at the time) and is at least 5000 years old.

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