Toshiko Takaezu’s ceramic art is a reflection of the natural world, influenced by her experiences in different locations and cultures. The exhibition “Worlds Within” showcases her work at the Chazen Museum of Art, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a landscape of art created by Takaezu over six decades.
The installation features round ceramic forms resting on volcanic sand, shimmering with light and glazed in milky whites or vibrant earth tones. Takaezu’s hands are evident in every piece, with ridges and hand-kneaded seams adding a personal touch to each creation. Her glaze application creates a sense of movement, evoking elements of nature like fog, rain, and wind.
Unlike other ceramic artists of her time, Takaezu’s work is more reverent and less aggressive. She focuses on the slow birth of her art from earthly means, crafting objects that feel organic and fluid. The exhibition recreates past installations curated by Takaezu herself, showcasing her interdisciplinary practice of combining ceramics with textiles.
One significant aspect of Takaezu’s life that is highlighted in the exhibition is her friendship with textile artist Lenore Tawney. The two artists collaborated and influenced each other, pushing against restrictive art world hierarchies. Their deep connection is woven into the work on display, showcasing the power of women collaborating in freedom and defiance.
The exhibition concludes with the “Star Series,” featuring human-sized totems inspired by celestial bodies. Visitors can walk around and within these oblong forms, experiencing the culmination of Takaezu’s lifelong exploration of the forces of the universe.
“Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within” is a testament to the artist’s dedication to her craft and her ability to transcend boundaries in the art world. The exhibition runs at the Chazen Museum of Art until December 23, curated by a team of experts including Noguchi Museum curator Kate Wiener and independent curator Glenn Adamson.
