Yu Tanaka 田中悠 CV

Yu Tanaka brings a unique perspective to the realm of sculpture. Following the path of her contemporaries from the third generation of Japanese female ceramic artists, Tanaka's artistic focus lies in creating clay objects that emulate vessels wrapped in cloth. By presenting these enigmatic forms, she provokes viewers to engage in a thought-provoking exploration of the boundary between function and non-function. While Tanaka's works may initially appear to be slab-built, she employs a distinctive technique of coil building using Shigaraki-blended clay. This choice allows her to harness the superior plasticity of the material, granting her the artistic freedom necessary for her expressive creations. To achieve a refined surface texture, Tanaka meticulously sponges the surfaces smoothly before delicately applying a thin layer of clay slip using brushes or airbrushes. Her creative process also involves a captivating manipulation of color. She meticulously applies two coatings of pigment prior to the initial firing, repeating the process up to four times to achieve her desired deep-yellow hue. Through her works, Tanaka invites viewers to ponder the hidden narratives concealed within her cloth-wrapped vessels and to contemplate the multifaceted nature of art.