Toshimasa Kikuchi: Mathematical Objects

Toshimasa Kikuchi is a Japanese sculptor who trained in the restoration of Buddhist statues and carves pure forms in wood. His work for his Carte Blanche at the musee Guimet in Paris combines a series of slender sculptures in lacquered wood of mathematical objects, in the tradition of the celebrated photographs that Man Ray took of them. The book is lavishly illustrated by the Japanese photographer Tadayuki Minamoto, who was able to capture the magnificence of the mathematical abstraction of the works of Kikuchi.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2021
Publisher: Galerie Mingei

The enigmatic sculpture of Toshimasa Kikuchi (born in 1979) is a captivating testament to his artistic prowess. Hailing from Japan, Kikuchi's artistic journey began with a profound training in the restoration of Buddhist statues, where he perfected the techniques of classical Japanese statuary. With an unwavering dedication, he delved into the realm of wood carving, creating pure forms that defy categorization. His scientific repertory spans a wide range, encompassing mathematics, engineering, and natural history, yet his preferred materials and techniques remain firmly rooted in tradition.

In his Carte Blanche exhibition at the esteemed musee Guimet in Paris, Kikuchi presents a mesmerizing collection of slender sculptures crafted from lacquered wood. These abstract creations, reminiscent of the celebrated photographs taken by Man Ray, gracefully hang from the ceiling, resembling mobiles, or rest gently on the floor, evoking a sense of devotion. What sets Kikuchi's work apart is the extraordinary virtuosity and craftsmanship displayed in these sculptures. It is a rare sight in contemporary art to witness such mastery and attention to detail.

The book accompanying this remarkable exhibition is a visual feast, meticulously illustrated by the talented Japanese photographer Tadayuki Minamoto. Through his lens, Minamoto captures the awe-inspiring mathematical abstraction of Kikuchi's works, showcasing their intricate details and captivating compositions. The book also features photographs and paintings by Man Ray, providing a deeper understanding of the artistic influences that shaped Kikuchi's vision. Additionally, captivating mathematical objects from the Institut Henri Poincare, Paris, are photographed by the French photographer Bertrand Michau, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative.

For art enthusiasts, lovers of surrealism, and those intrigued by the profound relationship between art and mathematics, this book is an essential read. It offers a profound exploration of Kikuchi's artistic journey, shedding light on his creative process and the profound influence of mathematics on his work. The book serves as a gateway to a world where art and mathematics converge, inviting readers to witness the magic that unfolds when creativity and mathematical precision intertwine.

Weight: 638g
Dimension: 168 x 248 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9782956615033
Edition number: Bilingual ed