Yusuke Takemura

Viewed from afar, the vessel is evocative of an abstracted human figure. Upon closer inspection the object offers a complex surface created through cutting, grinding and polishing, yielding an ethereal shell perforated by organic-shaped voids. I have been exploring the techniques which have informed this work for many years, gradually pushing their limits in order to balance positive and negative space while maintaining the structural integrity required of the medium of glass. The inclusion a new element, water, and the movement from sculptural vessel to multi-media installation represents a significant evolution for my work.

My artistic practice utilises glass as medium to investigate the infinite relationship between the bodily and sentient aspects of human existence. This perspective enables me to focus on the individual within the greater populace, thus exploring contemporary social issues such as overpopulation, consumerism, and capitalism and the risk they present in destroying the individuality amongst us.

CV

Education

2009: Masters of Studio Art (MSA), Sydney College of the Arts, Sydney, NSW, Australia
2002 – 2006: Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA), Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts, Kurashiki, Japan

Solo Exhibitions

2023: Connectivity: New Explorations, Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert, Sydney, NSW, Australia
2017: Kaiso, Galerie Koo, Hong Kong
2012: Unity, Sabbia Gallery, Sydney, NSW, Australia
2010: What you see What you believe, ESP Gallery, Marrickville, NSW, Australia

Exhibitions

2020: FUSE Glass Prize, Finalist, Jam Factory, Adelaide, AU; Group Exhibition, Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert, Sydney, AU
2019: Opening Exhibition Group Exhibition, Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert, Sydney, NSW, AU; Shift in Japanese Materiality, Craft ACT, Canberra, ACT
2018: Symbiosis, China and Australia Edge Glass Art Exhibition, China Academy of Art, Hangzhou, China; Hindmarsh Prize, Finalist, Canberra Glassworks, Canberra; Liquid Form, The Ian Potter Museum of Art, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Shift in Japanese Materiality, Japan Foundation Sydney
2017: Kaiso, Galerie Koo (Solo), Hong Kong; I-shi Prize, Nominated, Okayama City Museum, Okayama; Hindmarsh Prize, Finalist, Canberra Glassworks, Canberra; Virtuoso II, Kirra Galleries, VIC, Australia
2016: Affordable Art Fair - Hong Kong, Represented by Galerie Koo, Hong Kong; Art16, Represented by Galerie Koo, London; Land, Sea & Sky, Kirra Galleries, VIC, Australia; Exhibition, Galerie Koo, Central, Hong Kong
2015: SOFA Chicago 2015, Represented by Kirra Galleries, Chicago, USA; Craft, Barometer Gallery, Sydney, NSW, Australia
2014: Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize, Finalist, Sydney, NSW; Arts & Crafts Design Award, Finalist, Karojba, Croatia; Ranamok Glass Prize 2014, Finalist, Touring Australia; SOFA Chicago 2014, Represented by Kirra Galleries, Chicago, USA; Kirra Illumination Glass Award, Finalist, VIC, Australia; Narrative in glass, Kirra Galleries, Melbourne, VIC
2013: SOFA Chicago 2013, Represented by Kirra Galleries; The Third Dimension, Kirra Galleries, Melbourne, VIC
2012: SOFA Chicago 2012, Represented by Kirra Galleries; Unity, Sabbia Gallery, Sydney, NSW, Australia (Solo); Director’s Choice Exhibition, Kirra Galleries, Melbourne; Beauty Revealed, BMW Chatswood, Sydney, NSW
2011: SOFA Chicago 2011, Represented by Kirra Galleries; Ranamok Glass Prize 2011, Finalist, Touring Australia; Ausglass Members Exhibition, Sydney College of the Arts; Light in Winter Exhibition, Kirra Galleries, Melbourne, VIC

Awards / Grants

2022: CAPO Shaw & Partners Award, Canberra
2021: ArtsACT Arts Activities $5-50k, Canberra
2020: ArtsACT HOMEFRONT funding, Canberra
2014: Japan Foundation New York, Grant for Arts & Culture, Japan Foundation New York, U.S.A
2011: The Vicki Torr Online Gallery Prize, Ausglass Conference; The Sabbia Gallery Exhibition Award, Ausglass Conference
2008: NAVA Ignition Prize, Professional Practice, Australia