Yasue Maetake

Yasue Maetake draws the inspiration for her sculptures from the friction between her Japanese background and Western culture. Having studied at a New York art academy she has acquired a sharp eye for what Japan and the West can learn from each other. In contrast to the West, she says, Japanese thought makes no distinction between nature and technology, the organic and non-organic, art and craftsmanship. It is a culture in which everything is focused on unity and works of art are seen as extensions of natural phenomena.

The monumental sculpture that Yasue Maetake has made for Sonsbeek 2008 bears the title Ningen-Kokuho, Living Treasure. Its basic structure is the open frame of a large Japanese screen. Around it are standing various forms and objects that cannot be named exactly but which do steer the imagination. The central part looks like the backbone of a gigantic prehistoric animal with a many-sided tail printed with tadpoles, wings of preserved fish skin and a large samurai sword for a head. Underneath it all shines a black plate like a dark pond.

Maetake sees the piece as standing for nature that is suffering under our egoistic possessiveness and the illusion of individuality. But it also refers to excellent human qualities. The samurai sword is associated with the notion of Bushido, which means the Way of the Warrior. The warrior distinguishes himself through austerity, loyalty, perfect technique and honor unto death.

Parts of the sculpture were carried during the Procession by the Guild of Het Domein en Beleven (The Domain and Experiencing).