西岸 | BEST BUND

Ota Fine Arts Shanghai is delighted to present “Fuzz”, a solo exhibition by Japanese artist,Tsuyoshi Hisakado (Kyoto, 1981). Hisakado will present his large-scale installation of the same name alongside his “Crossfades” series of works on paper.

Tsuyoshi Hisakado is inspired to discover the uniqueness, beauty and the enduring effects of everyday phenomena and places. He creates works that are situated in characteristic buildings and historical landmarks, collecting histories and memories that each location possess. 

“Fuzz" was conceived as a site-specific installation for the Rokko Mountain in Kobe City, Japan. Light stands are heaped up in a stack that gradually narrows towards the top, resembling the shape of a mountain. These lamps were used in the Rokko Oriental Hotel that closed down in 2007. As the sound of wind rushes and swirls through the gallery, these lamps flash intensely to the dynamic momentum of wind. Hisakado recorded this sound on the peak of Rokko Mountain. On the day of recording, he experienced gale winds that he allegorized as the wrath of nature. The Rokko Oriental Hotel was built by cutting through the mountain hence it is perhaps nature’s response to the intrusive effects of development. 

In close proximity to the lamps is a small sculpture bearing semblance to the branch of a tree. The branch is attached to clock hands that move independently of the sound and lights in the background. With such juxtapositions in motion, Hisakado reflects on the relationship between the man-made object and natural forces. 

Alongside, Hisakado showcases a series of works on paper. Appearing as blocks of monochrome from afar, the viewer is surprised as they move closer. “Crossfades” feature a moving second hand, on top of which there is a tiny loupe. Looking into the loupe, one would see miniature numbers each accurately sized at 0.4mm in height and 0.25mm in width. As the second hand moves, one begins to realize the connection, the numbers spell out the ratio of a circle’s circumference, commonly denoted as π. 

Similarly, the ink lines on the “Crossfades #4” series are composed of the π sequence, extended across the sheet in a continuous spiral. As Hisakado splits, moves and burns the paper, the continuity of π is distorted, invoking subtle shifts in the space of eternity. Time and space, simultaneously collapse and continue in these works, revealing poetic sensibilities through simple visual composition.

With the use of common objects, sound, light and simple visual composition, Tsuyoshi Hisakado hopes that viewers will discover beauty and eternity in today’s chaotic social environment. 

About the Artist

Born in Kyoto in 1981, Tsuyoshi Hisakado completed a M.F.A. at the Department ofSculpture of the Kyoto City University of Arts in 2007. Hisakado's practice focuses on the seemingly mundane aspects of everyday life. He assembles evidence of history and phenomena that are unique to specific places, creating installations that combine sound, light, and sculpture. In March 2020, Hisakado will hold his first museum-scale solo exhibition at the Toyota MunicipalMuseum of Art, Japan. Hisakado was elected the East Asian Cultural Exchange Envoy and has been awarded the ‘Mercedes-Benz Art Scope2018-2020’, the Audience Award at the 'NISSAN ART AWARD 2015', and the Grand Prize of the 'VOCA 2016 The Vision of Contemporary Art'. He has participated in various group exhibitions including the ‘58th Venice Biennale 2019:May You Live in Interesting Times” (Venice, 2019)’, ‘Asia Corridor ContemporaryArt Exhibition (Kyoto, 2017)’, 'AICHI TRIENNALE 2016 rainbow caravan' and has held solo exhibitions at ‘MoCA Pavilion Special Project (Shanghai, 2016), OtaFine Arts Singapore (2015) and Ota Fine Arts Tokyo (2018). Hisakado is a founding member of the artist collective SHlNCHIKA which was formed in 2002.