Takayoshi Terajima

Since the Corona Pandemic, I have been working with the theme of "Cycles and Inheritance" in my artwork. All life on earth has existed as part of this grand cycle, repeating countless choices and passing on legacies and messages to the next generation. The evolution of technology has dramatically altered our living environment, and as a result, the diversity of choices we face and the weight of those choices are rapidly changing.
I was born into a family of rice farmers that has been around since the Genroku (late 1600s) in the Edo period, and I studied engraving and jewelry techniques in the field of crafts at university. These traditional cultures are not just skills, but are an important means of passing on the wisdom and thoughts of our predecessors. In addition, my experience of moving to Germany and experiencing life and cultural differences in a foreign country has also served as a foundation for my creative work.
I mainly use metals such as aluminum and copper in my work. I combine the process of working directly with materials with the use of digital tools, focusing on the intersection of past and contemporary technologies.
The keyword "time" is essential for circulation and succession. In this context, I was greatly influenced by the 'Today Series' of On Kawara. The everydayness and universality that I consider from the time equally given to us on earth is an important guideline in my work.
While the freedom of choice is increasing, the meaning of that choice is also becoming more complex. A choice that may seem trivial to one person may have significant meaning to another. My work encourages us to reconsider cycles and inheritance as a bridge between the past and the future, and between people across borders.