Interview: Yuka Takeda
Luca Curci talks with Yuka Takeda during Consciousness, the second appointment of ANIMA MUNDI 2024, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello, Venice.

I have enjoyed drawing freely and studying calligraphy from a young age. As I explored calligraphy, I became captivated by the mystique of ink and began experimenting with expressing the lustre of light and water. This journey led me to develop a unique technique for painting both aquatic and mythical creatures. I constantly respect the traditions of Sumi-e (Japanese ink painting) while striving to innovate and explore new techniques. In addition to holding exhibitions and teaching both domestically and internationally, I have exhibited my work and conducted lectures in various countries, including Germany, Spain, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, and the Transnistria region. Moreover, I have worked on illustrations for novels, designed wine labels for German and French wineries, and created the cover art for the sheet music of Ryuichi Sakamoto. I have been active in various other areas, including donating my work to the sacred Muryoin Temple on Mount Koya and conducting lectures at the National Library of Moldova in Chisinau, where I also donated some of my Sumi-e works.

Luca Curci – What does art mean to you?
Yuka Takeda – The world is ever turbulent, and daily life continuously transforms as lives fade and new ones come into being. Amidst this constant flux, I paint with a deep affection for the ephemeral and precious nature of every living creature. For me, art encompasses more than just special moments or painting alone. It includes everyday life, encounters with people, and the natural world. As long as we live, even if our physical movements are restricted, our hearts can freely explore unknown realms. I create to expand the freedom of those realms.

LC – What project are you currently working on?
YT – Currently, I exhibit my work annually at a contemporary art group exhibition held in Kobe, Japan.
Additionally, I participate in the unsupervised invitational exhibition at the National Art Center, Tokyo,
every year. Furthermore, I hold solo exhibitions featuring entirely different paintings created using only my right or left hand, both domestically and internationally. Moreover, I am involved in numerous collaboration projects that blend music and visual arts.

LC – Where does your inspiration come from?
YT – Inspiration comes from everything around me, such as natural landscapes, cityscapes, music,
literature, and daily human interactions. Additionally, my inner world, emotions, and dreams are
important sources as well. These various elements intertwine to become the energy for my creations.

LC – Are you focusing on a specific theme?
YT – I primarily depict aquatic creatures and imaginary ancient organisms. To visually capture the moisture and hydration from their skin, it is most fitting for me to use only ink and liquid, which possess an unexpected fluidity. The light and subtle sense of moisture in these moments reside in the untouched areas of the paper.

LC – What being an artist in contemporary times means?
YT – The world of music has evolved continuously throughout history. From an era dominated by classical tonality and beautiful melodies, the 20th century saw the emergence of new forms of expression such as atonality and experimental music. However, in contemporary times, simple and beautiful music has made a resurgence and is widely embraced. This historical evolution in music is a phenomenon also observed in the world of visual arts. In the realm of visual arts, traditional representational forms gave way to abstraction, and further to experimental endeavors such as conceptual art and installation art. Today, many people are once again seeking aesthetic value and simplicity. This can be seen as a movement away from complexity and excessive theorization towards a more intuitive and sensory experience. Thus, both music and visual arts have evolved while reflecting the cultural background and societal changes of their times. We are now witnessing a period where beauty and simplicity are being reevaluated in both fields. This phenomenon is part of a broader trend of reappreciating essential beauty and emotional impact, and it is with this understanding that I wish to continue my creative endeavors.

LC – Do you agree with our vision for art? Also, what do you think about the theme of the
exhibition?
YT – I deeply admire IItsLiquid Group for promoting the art of artists from around the world in historically
significant and beautiful locations while also actively addressing global environmental issues. Their efforts are of utmost importance in the contemporary art scene and are truly commendable.The perspective of ANIMA MUNDI, which posits that invisible energy connects natural and artificial elements, maintaining the balance of Earth’s ecosystems and promoting their evolution, and that all living beings, plants, minerals, and animals have a hidden power that stimulates the human mind and bodily senses, aligns with my own creative philosophy and resonates deeply with me.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
YT – Yes, I would like to cooperate positively within the scope of what I can do.

LC – Do you have any suggestions for our services? Are there any additional services we
can offer to artists?
YT – If the basic fees based on the size and quantity of the works are clearly disclosed on the web, it will be easier for me to understand and also easier to recommend to others. Photos were posted on social media, but they were very unclear. For those living abroad who cannot attend the exhibition, if there is a service that makes it easier to understand, such as including photos, the location of the works within the exhibition hall, and reviews, it would enhance our sense of cooperation and participation.