Yuji Takeoka: From a Pedestal into Space

After graduating from an art university in Kyoto, Yuji Takeoka (b. 1946) moved to Germany and enrolled in an art university there. Several years later, at the beginning of the '80s, he began showing his work. Takeoka made his debut with "pedestal sculptures," designed to raise the supports used to display sculpture to the level of artworks, and later developed other unique concepts such as "spatial presentation."

Though pedestals are normally used as bases for sculpture, Takeoka's pedestal sculptures liberate them from this attribute. Using a variety of materials and colors, the works have minimal forms.

The artist's intention is first realized when the pedestal is installed in a space. When viewers notice the absence of any work, they are inspired to consider things such as the act of seeing and the state of a display space. Instead of making works that are imprinted with individual characteristics, Takeoka focuses on presentation as a work in itself.

With approximately 20 specially selected works, representing the entirety of the artist's nearly 30-year career, this exhibition marks the first major retrospective of Takeoka's practice to be held in Japan.

Organized by The National Museum of Art, Osaka  
Sponsored by Daikin Foundation for Contemporary Arts  
Supported by WAKO WORKS OF ART