In recent years, Tanabe Chikuunsai IV has made remarkable achievements abroad, and his works have inspired and impressed many people. He transformed traditional Japanese bamboo crafts into a form of modern sculptural beauty that aligns with contemporary needs, while also presenting the skillful traditional Japanese bamboo craftsmanship. Bamboo has been used to make daily tools only, Tanabe Chikuunsai IV, developing his own unique perspective and unleashing his creativity, showcasing an art form of bamboo, further solidifies its place as a symbol of harmony between humanity and nature.
The themes of the bamboo utensils and installations he creates often remind us of the Japan’s spiritual and artistic traditions that have been passed down for generations, and persuade people to rethink these unique Japanese values, e.g., harmony with nature, self-discipline, etiquette, etc., that are in decline gradually today. These messages resonate well with global audiences, push boundaries and challenge them to think.
The installation art he creates is entirely made of bamboo strips. Although most works are presented in large-scale and sculptural forms, audiences will not feel stressful. Instead, they are gentle and inviting, evoking a sense of peace and comfort. His site-specific installation connects viewers to nature through bamboo and creating an experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Through reusing bamboo strips previously used for exhibiting to create another site-specific installation elsewhere, his works are based on the important ideas of regeneration and recycling, while balancing unity and variety.