Tanabe Chikuunsai IV

In 2019, Tanabe Chikuunsai IV kindly accepted our invitation, to create a site-specific bamboo installation at Yumekoubou Gallery, Hong Kong.

As he started to exhibit bamboo installations abroad, people the way he showcases an art form of bamboo surprised people, at the same time, the sense of peace and comfort he conveyed resonated with many people.

“Beyond Connection” symbolizes the idea of living in harmony with one another while continuously building new relationships within this space.

The gallery located in a high-rise far away from nature, however, the sunlight scattering on the floor and shadows of artworks swaying with its flow, altogether with the cityscape view, everything in its right place, artists expressing feelings through their works.  

Bamboo weaving looks like simple tasks, but how to master the art of simplicity, knowing what to eliminate and what to keep can be a challenging process, which has become Chikuunsai IV’s creative productivity. He uses a precious bamboo called "tiger bamboo", which has unique dark brown spots, tiger-like pattern, which is expressively eye-catching and stands out from other bamboo, as if it is endowed with vibrant life.

He selects and harvests the finest tiger bamboo, then processed them carefully, keep thinking of the best way to present his works, keep overcoming challenges and stay creative, finally turns the bamboo stripes into amazing sculptures and installations through his professional knowledge and skills. 

The core concepts of the artistic activities of Chikuunsai IV:

Environmental protection and the sustainable use of natural resources, along with the responsibility to preserve and cultivate Japan’s spiritual and artistic traditions passed down through generations — these values, though gradually fading in modern times, are once again drawing attention both in Japan and abroad through his work.