Charismatic "New Bamboo" Artist Discusses Traditional Craft in Contemporary Art

For Immediate Release

Contemporary Art, Ancient Materials: A Conversation with Tanabe Shochiku III

Thursday, November 6, 6:30pm at Japan Society

「現代アートに生まれ変わる伝統工芸の技」

New York, NY – Japan Society presents one of Japan’s greatest contemporary bamboo artists, Tanabe Shochiku III, in conjunction with its current exhibition New Bamboo: Contemporary Japanese Masters through January 11, 2008. Joined by American artist Stephen Talasnik, also featured in New Bamboo, the two discuss the direction of traditional craft art and its presence in today's art world. Moderated by Joe Earle, Japan Society’s Vice President and Gallery Director, Contemporary Art, Ancient Materials: A Conversation with Tanabe Shochiku III takes place Thursday, November 6, at 6:30 pm.

Although bamboo is among East Asia’s most abundant natural resources, it was not until the 1500s that bamboo objects came to be widely appreciated as works of art. Today this young tradition has entered a golden age of craftsmanship and innovation, and Tanabe Shochiku III offers his perspective on the artistic choices and dilemmas that modern bamboo artists face as contemporary Japanese bamboo expresses the creative tensions between past, present, and future.

Born to one of Japan's most prestigious bamboo pedigrees, Tanabe Shochiku III gravitated towards bamboo from a very young age, creating his first piece when he was only 7 or 8. Like his father, Tanabe Chikuunsai III, he attended art school and earned a degree in sculpture. He is the chosen son, slated to become Tanabe Chikuunsai IV, representing the fourth generation of bamboo artists in his family. He continues to work alongside his esteemed father in the elder's Osaka studio. Tanabe has received many accolades, including the Mayor's Award at the Sakai City Art Exhibition in 2001 and the Osaka Craft Exhibition Choice Award at the All Kansai Art Exhibition in 2004.

Stephen Talasnik studied art and design at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and the Tyler School of Art. In 1987, he moved to Tokyo to teach drawing and design at Temple University Japan and for the next few years studied contemporary Japanese architecture and design. After settling in New York, he began focusing more on designing sculpture. His ongoing work explores the language of intuitive engineering and architecture and is included in numerous international public collections. Panorama: The Mapping of Prediction, an exhibition of Talasnik's architecturally inspired drawings is on view through November 30, 2008 at The Queens Museum of Art.

New Bamboo: Contemporary Japanese Masters (October 4, 2008 – January 11, 2009) is the world’s first exhibition devoted exclusively to Japanese bamboo as a sculptural medium, featuring 23 innovators, old and young, who exploit to the full the tension between traditional skill and new expressive opportunities. Ranging from ethereal, computer-designed filigrees, through dramatic wall pieces to angry-looking, dirt-encrusted tangles and anthropomorphic sculptures, the over 90 works on display demonstrate awesome technique, meticulous attention to detail, and extraordinary creativity. Japan Society Gallery hours are Tue.-Thu., 11 am-6 pm; Fri., 11 am-9 pm; Sat. and Sun., 11 am-5 pm; closed on Mon. and major holidays(Nov. 27, Dec. 25 & 26, Jan. 1). Admission is $12/$10 students and seniors/FREE Japan Society Members, children under 16 and to the general public Fridays from 6-9 pm.

Established in 1907, Japan Society has evolved into North America's single major producer of high-quality content on Japan for an English-speaking audience. Presenting over 100 events annually through well established Corporate, Education, Film, Gallery, Language, Lectures, Performing Arts and Innovators Network programs, the Society is an internationally recognized nonprofit, nonpolitical organization that provides access to information on Japan, offers opportunities to experience Japanese culture, and fosters sustained and open dialogue on issues important to the U.S., Japan, and East Asia.

Contemporary Art, Ancient Materials: A Conversation with Tanabe Shochiku III takes place Thursday, November 6, at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10/$8 Japan Society Members/$5 seniors & students. Japan Society is located at 333 East 47th Street between First and Second avenues (accessible by the 4/5/6 at 42nd Street-Grand Central Station or the E and V at Lexington Avenue and 53rd St.) For reservations call the box office at 212-715-1258. For further information call 212-832-1155 or visit www.japansociety.org.

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For further information, images and interview requests, please refer to:

Shannon Jowett
Japan Society
T: (212) 715-1205
F: (212) 715-1262
E: sjowett@japansociety.org

Kuniko Shiobara
Japan Society
T: 212-715-1249
F: (212) 715-1262
E: kshiobara@japansociety.org