​ウェブギャラリー時空

 Takamura Takashi

The Time-Space Series – Concept

 

I. A Journey to Awaken Primordial Memories

The Time-Space Series is conceived to awaken the primordial memories that lie dormant in the depths of the viewer’s consciousness. By guiding the mind through multiple layers of temporal and spatial dimensions, the series aims to evoke an inexhaustible imaginative force.

 

II. The Philosophy of Time and Visual Dichotomy

Each work within this series is structured as a deliberate intersection of three temporal axes—future, present, and past.
The coexistence of these disparate time-spaces forms the core of the series, inviting viewers into a profound journey of imagination.

This theme is visually articulated through striking contrasts:

Close-up view: When observed at close range, intricate structures emerge—resembling circuit boards, computer components, or the architectural blueprints of futuristic cities.
Distant view: When viewed from afar, the work transforms into a powerful presence reminiscent of ancient ruins or primordial monoliths, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia.

This simultaneous expression of the ultra-futuristic and the primordial embodies the series’ philosophical inquiry into the nature of time itself.

 

III. The Inevitability of Clay: Innovation in Material and Technique

A central challenge in realizing this concept lay in the selection of materials. After extensive experimentation with a wide range of substances—wood, metal, cork, and paper—it became clear that ceramic was the most essential and authentic medium for expression. (Details of the selection process are omitted here for brevity.)

Having chosen ceramics as the medium, it was crucial not merely to create sculptural forms, but to uncover a unique form of expression attainable only through ceramics—something impossible to achieve with glass or metal.

However, no existing ceramic material could fulfill the expressive requirements of the envisioned work. I therefore developed a new material from scratch—blending clays and designing a process capable of enduring the harsh transformation from raw earth through drying and firing into ceramic form.

This material development process shares certain similarities with other disciplines such as casting, in that it begins from the creation of the base substance itself. Yet the approach to achieving the desired physical properties is wholly distinct. The unique transformation from clay to ceramic draws forth the intrinsic energy inherent in the material, which becomes deeply embedded in the sculptural form—elevating each work into a resolute and singular existence.

 

IV. Creating a “Future Space” Through the Fusion of Earthenware and Porcelain Clay

When working solely with earthenware clay, the resulting works tended to evoke qualities of the present or past—and at times, a sense of tragedy.
By integrating porcelain clay, however, a futuristic spatial quality emerged within the works, restoring equilibrium across the temporal spectrum.

Ultimately, this combination produced an unglazed surface reminiscent of bright, living wood.
This delicate material balance suppresses the heavy solemnity that might otherwise arise from the intricate forms and laborious production process, imbuing the works instead with lightness, clarity, and a forward-looking sense of optimism—an indispensable element of the Time-Space Series.